Papers by Author: Jonathan Cormier

Abstract: An unprecedented investigation consisting of the association of X-Ray tomography and Scanning Electron Microscopy combined with Focus Ion Beam (SEM-FIB) is conducted to perform a 3D reconstruction imaging. These techniques are applied to study the non-isothermal creep behavior of close (111) oriented samples of MC2 nickel base superalloys single crystal. The issue here is to develop a strategy to come out with the 3D rafting of γ’ particles and its interaction whether with dislocation structures or/and with the preexisting voids. This characterization is uncommonly performed away from the conventional studied orientation [001] in order to feed the viscoplastic modeling leading to its improvement by taking into account the crystal anisotropy. The creep tests were performed at two different conditions: classical isothermal tests at 1050°C under 140 MPa and a non isothermal creep test consisting of one overheating at 1200°C and 30 seconds dwell time during the isothermal creep life. The X-Ray tomography shows a great deformation heterogeneity that is pronounced for the non-isothermal tested samples. This deformation localization seems to be linked to the preexisting voids. Nevertheless, for both tested samples, the voids coalescence is the precursor of the observed damage leading to failure. SEM-FIB investigation by means of slice and view technique gives 3D views of the rafted γ’ particles and shows that γ corridors evolution seems to be the main creep rate controlling parameter.

Abstract: The dissolution kinetics of an ultra-fine γ’ precipitation occurring in the γ matrix between the standard secondary precipitates of MC2 Ni-based single crystal superalloy was investigated. Creep-fatigue experiments at 1050°C including an overheating at 1200°C were performed on <111> oriented specimens to study the effects of fine γ’ particles on the plastic deformation. During these experiments, a decrease of the plastic deformation rate was observed just after the temperature peak. This hardening effect disappears once the fine γ’ precipitates had been dissolved. A mean time for this hyperfine precipitation dissolution could then be highlighted. Based on both simple binary diffusion and complex diffusion analysis, the mean time for the dissolution of the fine γ’ precipitates is analyzed and compared to the experimental ones. It is shown that considering only a simple binary diffusion is not sufficient and it should be considered a more complex diffusive analysis involving additional interplays.