Papers by Author: N. Garimella

Abstract: We developed a method of rigorous solution of the Onsager’s flow equations using moments of the interdiffusion-parameter integrands for the determination of average ternary interdiffusion coefficients. The analysis developed by Dayananda and Sohn [1] is the basis for this refined approach. Average main and cross interdiffusion coefficients are determined over selected regions in the diffusion zone using the diffusion-distance moments of the interdiffusion flux flow equations. Thermodynamic stability of solid solutions in the light of interdiffusion phenomenon is taken as validation criteria to identify accurate and reliable values of the ternary interdiffusion coefficients. Regulations are proposed for successful application of the analysis method to various ternary diffusion couples in Ni- and Fe-based intermetallics.

Abstract: Diffusion in L12-Ni3Al with ternary alloying additions of Ir, Ta and Re was investigated at 1200°C using solid-to-solid diffusion couples, and examined with respect to site preference in ordered intermetallic compound. In addition to determination of average ternary interdiffusion coefficients [1-3], average effective interdiffusion coefficients were determined directly from the experimental concentration profiles. Ni has the largest magnitude of average effective interdiffusion coefficient, followed by Al, Ir, Re and Ta. The average effective interdiffusion coefficients for Ir, Re and Ta are much smaller than those for Ni and Al. Tracer diffusion coefficients determined by extrapolation technique, and available literature also followed the same trend. The relative tendency of Ni, Al, Ir, Re and Ta to occupy the -Ni and -Al sites are correlated to these diffusion coefficients, with due consideration for diffusion mechanisms and coordination of atoms.

Abstract: Interdiffusion in Fe-Ni-Cr (fcc γ phase) alloys with small additions of Si and Ge at 900°C was studied using solid-to-solid diffusion couples. Alloy rods of Fe-24 at.%Ni, Fe-24 at.%Ni- 22at.%Cr, Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-4at.%Si and Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-1.7at.%Ge were cast using arc-melt, and homogenized at 900°C for 168 hours. Sectioned alloy disks from the rods were polished, and diffusion couples were assembled with in Invar steel jig, encapsulated in Argon after several hydrogen flushes, and annealed atz 900°C for 168 hours. Polished cross-sections of the diffusion couples were characterized to determine experimental concentration profiles using electron probe microanalysis with pure elemental standards. Interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were calculated directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux profiles were examined to determine the average ternary and quaternary interdiffusion coefficients. Effects of alloying additions on the interdiffusional behavior of Fe-Ni- Cr-X alloys at 900°C are presented with due consideration for the formation of protective Cr2O3 scale.

Abstract: Average ternary interdiffusion coefficients in Ni3Al with Ir additions have been determined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples annealed at 1200°C for 5 hours. Disc shaped alloy specimens were prepared by the vacuum arc melting at compositions of Ni-24Al, Ni-25Al, Ni-26Al, Ni-23.5Al-1Ir, Ni-24.5Al-1Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-24Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-3Ir (at.%). Surfaces of alloys were polished down to 1200 grit and diffusion couples were assembled in Si3N4 jig for initial bonding heat treatment at 1200°C for 0.5 hours. Additional diffusion anneal was carried out at 1200°C for 4.5 hours outside of Si3N4 jig so that diffusion couples can be water quenched. Concentration profiles of individual components were measured by electron probe microanalysis using pure standard of Ni, Al and Ir. Interdiffusion flux of individual component was determined directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux were examined to calculate the average ternary interdiffusion coefficients, D˜ ij k either with Al or Ni as dependent component. Calculated interdiffusion coefficients suggest that Ir-alloyed Al2O3-forming oxidation resistant coatings would be beneficial to reduce the interdiffusion flux of Ni from superalloy substrates to the coating, and reduce the interdiffusion flux of Al from the coating to the superalloy substrate.

Abstract: Interdiffusion at 700°C for Ni-22at.%Cr (fcc γ phase) alloys with small additions of Al, Si, Ge, or Pd was examined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples. Rods of Ni-22at.%Cr, Ni- 21at.%Cr-6.2at.%Al, Ni-22at.%Cr-4.0at.%Si, Ni-22at.%Cr-1.6at.%Ge and Ni-22at.%Cr-1.6at.%Pd alloys were cast using arc-melt and homogenized at 900°C for 168 hours. The diffusion couples were assembled with alloy disks in Invar steel jig, encapsulated in Argon after several hydrogen flushes, and annealed at 700°C for 720 hours. Experimental concentration profiles were determined from polished cross-sections by using electron probe microanalysis with pure standards of Ni, Cr, Al, Si, Ge and Pd. Interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were calculated directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion fluxes were examined to determine average ternary interdiffusion coefficients. Effects of ternary alloying additions on the interdiffusional behavior of Ni-Cr-X alloys at 700°C are presented in the light of the diffusional interactions and the formation of protective Cr2O3 scale.

Abstract: Solid-state diffusion is a subject of great interest for many intellectual merits and practical applications. It also provides excellent educational studies with cross-fertilization of science and technology. This paper examines the importance of multicomponent-multiphase interdiffusion with specific examples from materials and coatings for components in advanced energy production systems, including gas turbines and nuclear reactors. Results and analysis from laboratory experiments are presented in terms of interdiffusion fluxes, integrated interdiffusion coefficients, effective interdiffusion coefficients, and average multicomponent interdiffusion coefficients. Applications are highlighted for materials and coatings for components in advanced energy production technologies. Additional consideration is given to the refined approach to assess composition-dependent interdiffusion coefficients in multicomponent alloys.