High temperature materials for aerospace applications: Ni-based superalloys and γ-TiAl alloys

Abstract

Two outstanding aerospace-oriented high-temperature materials, the single-crystal nickel-based superalloys for high-pressure turbine blades and the γ -TiAl-based alloys for low pressure turbine blades, are being presented here. In both cases, the optimisation of their mechanical properties is based on a high knowledge of metallurgy, mixing together different aspects such as processes, alloy design, deformation mechanisms, impact of oxidative environment or interaction between protective layers and protected alloy. Historical evolutions are recalled and put into perspective with more recent research activities.