Microstructure and homogenization process of as-cast GH4169D alloy for novel turbine disk

Abstract

To investigate the microstructure, segregation, and suitable homogenization process of as-cast GH4169D alloy, the microstructure, elements segregation, and precipitates of cast GH4169D ingots prepared by vacuum induction melting (VIM) and vacuum arc remelting (VAR) were observed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). According to the residual segregation model and simulation results of DICTRA thermodynamic software, the homogenization temperature and time range were set as 1120–1170°C and 5–20 h, respectively. The experimental results showed that microscopic dendrite and element segregation occurred in the interior of ingots and the main segregation elements were Nb and Ti. In addition, the precipitates were mainly distributed in interdendritic regions and were composed of NbC, Laves, γ′, and δ phases. The homogenization process suggested that the interdendritic detrimental precipitated Laves phase can be eliminated or redissolved after homogenization at 1150°C for 20 h, suggesting it was the most suitable homogenization treatment. Thermal compression test results showed that the GH4169D alloys after homogenization treatment had no cracks and dynamic recrystallization occurred, with recrystallization volume fraction increasing with temperature, indicating a good working plasticity at temperatures from 1050 to 1200°C.