Accurate Measurement of Lattice Misfit Between γ And γ' Phases in Nickel-Base Superalloys at High Temperatures

Abstract

Accurate measurement of the lattice misfit between the γ and γ phases in Ni-base single crystal superalloys at high temperatures has successfully been achieved using a parallel beam mode X-ray diffractometer with a high temperature specimen stage. The superalloys have γ' precipitates, an ordered FCC structure based on Ni3Al, in a γ-matrix having a disordered FCC structure (LI2). The parallel beam mode, the optics of which is made from a Ge (111) channel cut crystal, generates a superior monochromatic and parallel CuKα1 beam, which makes it possible to resolve a cluster peak in Ni-base superalloys into individual γ and γ ‘ peaks. This peak separation was almost impossible using the CuKα1+2 doublet beam from the standard type para-focusing mode, due to the very small difference in lattice parameters between the two phases.