| Popis: |
Mechanical property balance, malleability, and weldability of Alloy 718 have driven widespread utilization across the aerospace and non-aerospace industries for nearly 50 years. However, the metastability of the primary strengthening gamma double prime phase is typically unacceptable for applications above about 650°C. As a result, other more costly and difficult to process alloys, like Waspaloy, are used in such applications. The latter alloys, strengthened primarily by gamma prime, are also more sensitive to weld-related cracking than Alloy 718. As part of the Metals Affordability Initiative CORE Program, several alternate alloys were identified and evaluated for aircraft engine static structural component applications for use temperatures of at least 700°C. The application-integrated project team consisting of engine manufacturers, General Electric, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney; forgers Firth-Rixson and Ladish Co., Inc.; primary metal producers, Allvac and Carpenter Technology; and the Air Force Research Laboratory, selected the Allvac-developed 718Plus® alloy composition for scale-up and validation. Subscale and full-scale experiments confirmed that processability and weldability of this alloy were significantly improved relative to Waspaloy, approaching that of Alloy 718. Complex rolled rings varying in size from less than 25 to nearly 250 kg have been processed validating the advantages of this alloy. Assessment suggests capability similar to Waspaloy to 704°C has been achieved along with an acceptable balance of other properties. This paper will summarize the processing, weldability, and mechanical property evaluations successfully performed in this project, as well as progress toward industrial implementation of this alloy. |
