Deformation and Damage Mechanisms in Inconel 718 Superalloy

Abstract

The deformation and damage mechanisms in wrought, double-aged, Inconel718 superalloy (AMS 5663D) tested under monotonic tensile strains of 2% and lo%, fully-reversed fatigue, and tensile strain (2% or 10%) followed by fully-reversed fatigue conditions were investigated by examining the microstructures of representative specimens. All tests were conducted in air at room temperature. The specimens were sectioned and examined by transmission electron microscopy to reveal typical microstructures as well as the active deformation and damage mechanisms. Specific mechanistic features addressed include the type of slip, interaction of dislocations with y", y' and the carbides (precipitated during solidification and the subsequent heat treatment received by the superalloy), twinning, and microcracking. In all cases the microstructure of the as-received superalloy is employed as the reference to establish the nature and distribution of the secondary phases before the superalloy is subjected to different types of mechanical loading. Results of the investigation and comparisons of the mechanisms of deformation and damage observed under monotonic tensile strain, fully-reversed fatigue, and tensile strain followed by fully-reversed fatigue in Inconel 718 superalloy are reported.