Microstructure Evolution Process Research Articles

Constitutive modeling of creep behavior considering microstructure evolution for directionally solidified nickel-based superalloys

During creep at elevated temperatures, the performance of directionally solidified nickel-based superalloys experiences progressive degradation, accompanied by significant microstructure evolution. In this study, creep tests of varying durations were conducted on smooth specimens, revealing typical microstructure evolution, including dissolution, coarsening, and rafting of the γ′ phase. The process of microstructure evolution during creep was precisely quantified utilizing an advanced image processing technique. Subsequently, a phenomenological model was formulated to predict the evolution of the γ/γ′ microstructure. Furthermore, with the introduction of the microstructure evolution model, a multiscale creep constitutive model was established within the framework of crystal plasticity. This model encompasses various dislocation strengthening mechanisms, including dislocation bypassing, dislocation pairs shearing, and dislocation hardening. The constitutive model can accurately describe both the microstructure evolution and creep deformation of the DZ406 superalloy at various temperatures, with maximum errors of 18.13 % and 24.31 %, respectively. Finally, the model under multiaxial stress conditions was validated through creep tests on specimens with a film-cooling hole. The maximum prediction errors for microstructure evolution and creep life were 30.46 % and 28.00 %, respectively.

Microstructure evolution process and multi-scale deterioration mechanism model of graphite tailings cement-based materials subjected to high temperature

This manuscript investigated the thermal stability, crystal reconstruction and microstructure evolution of graphite tailing cement mortar subjected to high temperature. Simultaneously, a computational model for heat transfer and degradation considering chemical transformations had been developed by combining multiscale mechanics with the laws of thermodynamics. The results show that 20% graphite tailings can increase the tobermorite crystal content under high temperature and inhibit its transformation into disordered form. Furthermore, the dormant active SiOx in graphite tailing is gradually activated under the action of high temperature, which catalyzes and induces the formation of more belite crystal in graphite tailing cement mortar. Additionally, 40% graphite tailing can promote the generation of anorthite by the induction of high temperature. Finally, a new multi-scale model considering the chemical transformation is established to calculate the high-temperature degradation process of graphite tailing cement mortar.

A data-driven strategy for phase field nucleation modeling

We propose a data-driven strategy for parameter selection in phase field nucleation models using machine learning and apply it to oxide nucleation in Fe-Cr alloys. A grand potential-based phase field model, incorporating Langevin noise, is employed to simulate oxide nucleation and benchmarked against the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov model. Three independent parameters in the phase field simulations (Langevin noise strength, numerical grid discretization and critical nucleation radius) are identified as essential for accurately modeling the nucleation behavior. These parameters serve as input features for machine learning classification and regression models. The classification model categorizes nucleation behavior into three nucleation density regimes, preventing invalid nucleation attempts in simulations, while the regression model estimates the appropriate Langevin noise strength, significantly reducing the need for time-consuming trial-and-error simulations. This data-driven approach improves the efficiency of parameter selection in phase field models and provides a generalizable method for simulating nucleation-driven microstructural evolution processes in various materials.

A finite difference informed random walker (FDiRW) solver for strongly inhomogeneous diffusion problems

In nature, many complex multi-physics coupling problems exhibit strong diffusivity inhomogeneity. For instance, in the context of radionuclide absorption by porous wasteform materials within a flowing waste stream, the difference of species’ diffusivity in solid and liquid phases spans by 3 ∼ 8 orders of magnitude. To solve the diffusion equations with strongly inhomogeneous diffusivity, traditional discretization-based methods, such as the Finite Difference Method (FDM), require infinitesimally small-time steps (<10-10) as high spatial resolutions are employed in most microstructure evolution processes, leading to prohibitively high computational costs. This work developed an integrated numerical approach (FDiRW: Finite Difference informed Random Walk) to tackle this challenge. The idea is that utilizing the Random Walk concept, the fast diffusion is modelled as a superposition of point source’s solution for a concentration distribution while FDM is used to obtain the point source’s solution at each node. A mesh-coarsening algorithm is developed to generate an exclusive coarse mesh for FDiRW approach to maximize its efficiency. The effectiveness of the coarse mesh-based FDiRW approach is validated by benchmarking Finite Difference solutions. Numerical results demonstrated that FDiRW achieves a remarkable 1000x computational efficiency improvement over FDM while preserving desired accuracy for a medium-sized model of 192×192×192 grids. As models scale up, a floating-point operations (PLOPs) analysis of the FDiRW algorithm reveals that its computational complexity grows quadratically in terms of the number of nodes employed in computation.

Modified crystal plasticity constitutive model considering tensorial properties of microstructural evolution and creep life prediction model for Ni-based single crystal superalloy with film cooling hole

Accurate assessment of the creep life of film cooling hole structures is critical for long-life design and safe operation of aero engines and gas turbines. Firstly, through the high temperature creep experiment of nickel-based single crystal superalloy with film cooling hole, the microstructure evolution process under multiaxial stress state around film hole is characterized. Then, considering the directional effect of rafting structure and the influence of multiaxial stress, a fourth-order tensor is used to describe the evolution of γ phase width, and the microstructure evolution model accounting for multi-axial stress states is established. The microstructure evolution is coupled into the crystal plasticity constitutive model by Orowan stress. Meanwhile, based on continuous damage mechanics, a new multiaxial damage evolution law is established by introducing a multiaxial ductility factor into the constitutive model. The improved crystal plasticity constitutive model can effectively predict the microstructural evolution under multiaxial stress conditions. Furthermore, the combination of the modified crystal plasticity constitutive model and the critical distance method considering stress gradients is used for life prediction of film cooling hole structures. The prediction results show the effectiveness and necessity of considering the microstructure evolution in the life prediction.

Gradient structured Al alloy with a synergistic improvement of strength-ductility obtained by friction stir processing

One Al 6061 with gradient microstructure is prepared by friction stir processing (FSP). Microscopic characterization indicates that the regulation of grain size gradient could be achieved by adjusting the process parameters of FSP. The mechanical property test indicates that one gradient Al 6061 combines an ultimate tensile strength of 266 MPa with a uniform elongation of 27 %, and the other comes 258 MPa with 29 %, which provides an excellent combination of strength and ductility. Moreover, the molecular dynamics (MD) method is employed to reconstruct and simulate the mechanical behavior of the gradient region and the dynamic evolution of the microstructure. When the stacking faults (SFs) with antisymbolic Burgers vector meet and detwinning occurs, grain refinement will induce localized strengthening. When the Shockley partials occur cross-slip, numerous sessile dislocations obstruct the dislocation motion more facilitate strain hardening. Meanwhile, a unique interaction mechanism between shear bands (SBs) and intergranular cracks in Al 6061 is discovered in plastic deformation. The coarse net-like SBs in the small-grain region are highly susceptible to catastrophic fracture of the material, and the large cracks formed within the severely band-like SBs in the large-grain region weaken the strength substantially. However, the formation of sessile dislocations in the gradient region effectively mitigates strain localization and inhibits the nucleation of large cracks. The results interpret the dynamic evolution process of gradient microstructure prepared by FSP and the mechanism of strengthening and toughening and provide process and theoretical references for the research and development of new engineering materials.

Effect of diffusion barriers on steam oxidation properties and interface evolutions of Cr coating for zirconium alloy at 1200 °C

Under the ATF design concept, Cr-based coating is the most promising zirconium alloy cladding protective coating in the case of PWR accidents. However, the primary factor affecting the oxidation resistance of Cr coatings is the interdiffusion of Cr and Zr. In this study, Cr coatings with three refractory metal interlayers of Nb, Mo, and Ta were deposited on zirconium alloy surfaces using closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The study investigated the effects of different interlayers on the microstructure, oxidation properties, and interface evolution process of Cr coatings under steam conditions at 1200 ℃, and compared them with Cr coatings without intermediate layers. The results indicate that the refractory metal interlayer influences the orientation and growth rate of Cr coating grains. The formation of a Laves phase mixed layer in the interlayer during oxidation effectively hinders the diffusion of O and Cr to the zirconium alloy matrix, enhancing its oxidation resistance. Furthermore, the diffusion rate and vacancy concentration of Mo and Ta elements to the Zr layer exceed that of diffusion to the Cr layer. During the cooling process, a precipitate phase forms in the Zr-4 matrix, while the Nb coating forms an infinite solid solution in the β-Zr.

Microstructure evolution and degradation process of AlCrTiSiN coatings with different Si contents at high temperatures

The microstructure evolution of AlCrTiN and AlCrTiSiN coatings containing 4, 6.8, and 10.6 at.% Si was studied at temperatures ranging from 800 to 1100 °C. The AlCrTiN coating exhibits a single-phase fcc-(Al,Cr,Ti)N structure, while the AlCrTiSiN coatings transition from a nanocomposite structure, composed of fcc-(Al,Cr,Ti)N and amorphous a-SixNy, to a fully amorphous structure as the Si content increases. The hardness and adhesion strength of coatings initially rise, peaking at 24 GPa and 44 N respectively, due to the formation of the nanocomposite structure. However, these properties decline as the coatings become fully amorphous. At elevated temperatures, severe oxidation leads to the gradual formation of layered oxides. Concurrently, phase transformation, spinodal decomposition, and crystallization occur within the nitride layer. The addition of Si enhances oxidation resistance by promoting the rapid formation of a dense and protective oxide layer, and by reducing nitrogen release and TiO2 formation. However, at 1000 and 1100 °C, the coating with 10 at.% Si exhibits slightly faster oxidation compared to the 6.8 at.% Si coating, as the increased Si content reduces the Al content, limiting the coating's ability to regenerate the protective oxide layer.

A microscale cellular automaton method for solid-state phase transformation of directed energy deposited Ti6Al4V

Directed energy deposition is a promising additive manufacturing technology that fabricates complex geometries by fusing feed material layer-by-layer. However, the formation mechanism of the directed energy deposited Ti6Al4V solid-state phase transformation process, which is crucial for understanding the process-structure–property relationship, has remained unclear. In this study, a microscale cellular automaton method is proposed to simulate the microstructure evolution process for Ti6Al4V, specifically the β→α/α′ phase transformation process within a few β grains. The method is further integrated with the mesoscale cellular automaton method, which predicts the prior β grain structure, the solid-state phase transformation kinetics model for the prediction of the phase volume fractions, and the finite volume method, which is used for the thermal-fluid flow modelling, providing a temperature field to the former. The integrated numerical framework not only links the thermal history with the phase volume fractions but also provides the columnar β grain structures and acicular α/α′ grain structures in satisfying agreement with the available experimental observation. Moreover, the predictions shed some light on the formation mechanism of the hierarchical α/α′ structure and their particular clusters. The influence of the cooling rate on the α/α′ grain formation is illustrated via the three-layer case simulation. The findings on the formation mechanism of α/α′ are beneficial in tailoring the microstructure of Ti6Al4V for excellent mechanical properties in directed energy deposited Ti6Al4V.

The analysis of microstructure evolution process considering the dynamic solidification conditions and flow field in the oscillating laser welding of aluminum alloy

The oscillating laser welding (OLW) can improve the weld microstructure and the mechanical properties of the welded joints, which greatly improves the quality of laser welding. In this paper, a macro-micro coupling model for investigating the microstructure evolution process in the OLW of 6061 aluminum alloy is developed. The dynamic solidification conditions (SCs) and flow field are considered in the model. The microstructure evolution process under the effect of the oscillating laser beam is analyzed and discussed in detail based on the calculated results. The obtained weld cross section and microstructure morphology results agree well with the experimental results, which proves the validity of the developed model. It is found that the microstructure morphology is significantly influenced by the dynamic temperature gradient (TG) and solidification rate (SR). The solute concentration distribution is changed by the flow field, which affects the microstructure evolution process. The results demonstrate that the developed model is efficient for refining weld microstructure and hence improving mechanical properties of the welded joints.

(Invited) Probing Electrochemical Interfaces in Catalytic and Energy Materials and Process Using Operando Soft X-Ray Spectroscopy

Advanced energy technology arises from the understanding in fundamental science, thus rest in large on in-situ/operando characterization tools for observing the physical and chemical interfacial processes. Synchrotron based X-ray spectroscopic techniques offers unique characterization in many important energy materials of energy conversion, energy storage and catalysis in regards to the functionality, complexity of material architecture, chemistry and interactions among constituents within. However, it is challenging to reveal the real mechanism of the chemical processes.In the operando soft X-ray spectroscopy characterization of interfacial phenomena in energy materials and devices, it has been found that the microstructure and composition of materials as well as the microstructure evolution process have a great influence on performances in a variety of fields, e.g., energy conversion and energy storage materials, chemical and catalytic processes. This presentation will show how to best use the in-situ/operando soft X-ray spectroscopy characterization techniques, including soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and resonant inelastic soft X-ray scattering (RIXS) to investigate the real electrochemical mechanism during the operation. The experimental results show how in-situ/operando soft X-ray spectra characterization techniques uncover the phase conversion, chemical and environmental change of elements and other very important information of solid/gas and solid/liquid interfaces in real time, thus further enhance the understanding of real reaction mechanism.

Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behaviors of Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C Composites with Different Carbon Matrices

In this study, two types of porous Cf/Cm composites were obtained by introducing pyrolytic carbon (PyC) and pyrolytic carbon/furan resin carbon (PyC/FRC). Subsequently, Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were prepared by introducing SiC and (ZrxHf1−x)C matrices into the porous Cf/Cm composites via the reactive melt infiltration method, specifically termed as Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C and Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The microstructures of the porous Cf/Cm and Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites with different carbon matrices were examined, and a comprehensive analysis was conducted on microstructural evolution and mechanical behaviors of the Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites. The results indicate that both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites underwent similar microstructural evolution processes, differing only in terms of evolution kinetics and final microstructure. Differences in the pore structures of porous Cf/Cm composites, as well as in the reactivities of carbon matrices, were identified as primary influencing factors. Additionally, both Cf/Cm-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composites exhibited “pseudo-ductile” fracture characteristics, with flexural strengths of 214.1 ± 8.8 MPa and 149.6 ± 12.2 MPa, respectively. In the Cf/PyC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, crack initiation during loading primarily originated from the ceramic matrix, while in the Cf/PyC/FRC-SiC-(ZrxHf1−x)C composite, failure initially arose from the residual FRC matrix. Excessive fiber corrosion and the presence of residual low-modulus FRC matrix resulted in lower mechanical performance.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of large Ti6Al4V components by electron beam powder bed fusion

Electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF)-built Ti–6Al–4V(Ti6Al4V) has increasingly shown great potential for orthopedic implant and aerospace applications in recent years. Large components prepared by additive manufacturing (AM) have heterogeneous microstructures, defect size, and residual stress in the building direction due to the high temperature gradient. The samples with a height of 170 mm ware prepare via EB-PBF. The microstructure, mechanical properties, defect size, and residual stress along the building direction have been systematically study in this work. The grains epitaxial growth along the build direction as coarse prior β columnar grains. The residual compressive stress increases from the sample bottom to top. The max void size increases from 23.8 μm at the bottom to 108 μm at the top, and the mechanical properties gradually deteriorate along the building direction, which is related to the temperature gradient on the building direction of the sample. It is found that the ultimate tensile strength decreases from 916 ± 9 MPa at the bottom to 876 ± 7 MPa at the top, and the elongation to failure decreases from 9.13 ± 0.61 % to 6.49 ± 0.34 %. Meanwhile, the hardening ability is also weakened along the building direction. This study reveals the evolution process of the sample's microstructure, mechanical properties, and defects, providing data support for further control of material defects.

Exploring the hydration feature and microstructure evolution of MK-Q-LS blended cementitious materials with electrochemical techniques

The hydration process of blended cementitious materials is primarily affected by the effect mechanism of supplementary cementitious materials. This study utilizes electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method to investigate the hydration kinetics of cementitious materials incorporating metakaolin (MK), quartz (Q) and limestone powder (LS). The experimental results reveal the influence of MK+Q+LS on the hydration kinetics, phase assemblage, and microstructure of the blended systems. Besides, the electrochemical impedance response of blended cement materials exhibits variation based on the MK contents and the curing age. Furthermore, the resistance of the continuously connected micro-pores (Rccp) in the blended cementitious material progressively increases throughout the hydration process. The inclusion of MK reduces the Rccp values at early ages, while contributes to an increase in Rccp values from 7 days onward. Additionally, positive correlations are established between the Rccp value and compressive strength/heat release across different MK contents and curing ages. The combination of Rccp values and other characterization method can effectively reveal the microstructure evolution process. Therefore, as a nondestructive method, EIS can be effectively applied to predict the hydration of cementitious materials and the mechanical properties.

Microstructure evolution during directional solidification of 2009Al/SiCp at different pulling velocities: Modeling and Experiment

The cellular automaton-lattice Boltzmann method-immersed moving boundary coupled model is established to study the microstructure evolution during the solidification process of 2009Al/SiCp. After several model benchmarks, the natural convection of liquid phase and its effect on particle settlement under different pulling velocities were studied firstly. The results showed that at higher pulling velocity, the particle decelerates downward before contacting with dendrite front due to intensified natural convection. At lower pulling velocity, the particle decelerates gradually until a change in direction and upward movement. As the particle approach the tip of the dendrite, the particle experiences a brief upward movement before contacting the dendritic front. Then the convection induced by particles has an impact on the distribution of solutes in the liquid phase. It has been observed that at lower pulling velocity, there is a significant difference in solute distribution at the solidification front. The primary reason for this phenomenon is the higher solute concentration near the solidification front at lower pulling velocity, rather than the higher liquid phase flowing rate. Finally, our model investigated the microstructure evolution process during the directional solidification process of 2009Al/SiCp at different pulling velocities. The results indicate a good agreement between the simulation results and experiment observations.

Research status of laser powder bed fusion Al–Li alloys and its improvement measures

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) Al–Li alloy technology demonstrates adaptability to the development requirements of structural complexity and functional integration, making it a promising area of research in additive manufacturing for the aerospace, defense industry, and other fields. However, challenges such as microstructure anisotropy and metallurgical defects inevitably arise during the LPBF process of lightweight alloys, significantly impeding further enhancements in their formability properties. Some improvement measures offer a viable solution to enhance the microstructure, mitigate metallurgical defects, and optimize residual stress distribution in additive structures, thereby enabling high–performance Al–Li alloy production by LPBF. This paper first introduces the fundamental principle of LPBF and discusses the process of parameter optimization for LPBF Al–Li alloys. It then describes the typical microstructures and common metallurgical defects of LPBF Al–Li alloys, along with examining the evolution process of microstructures and formation mechanism of metallurgical defects. Specifically, it focuses on discussing the influence of Li element on solidification structure. On this basis, it presents the mechanical properties and anisotropy of mechanical properties for LPBF Al–Li alloys. Afterward, a comprehensive review is provided of the current research status regarding LPBF improvement measures, including powder alloying, heat treatment, and other technologies. Emphasis is placed on improvements in microstructure anisotropy and reductions in metallurgical defects through these improvement measures. Finally, this article summarizes the research progress made in LPBF Al–Li alloys and its improvement measures while also prospecting future research work.

Multiscale simulation combined with experimental investigation on residual stress and microstructure of TC6 titanium alloy treated by laser shock peening

The evolution behavior of residual stress and microstructure of TC6 titanium alloy under laser shock peening (LSP) were investigated using finite element (FE) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with experiments. The propagation process of laser-induced stress wave and plastic deformation behavior of TC6 titanium alloy model were studied using FE software with ABAQUS. The FE simulation results showed that increasing laser energy and impact time could increase the amplitude of compressive residual stress (CRS) to a certain extent, while a higher overlapping rate improved the CRS uniformity. The experimental results of residual stress testing based on XRD technology were consistent with the FE simulation results. Based on the piston shock method, the microstructural evolution process of α phase of titanium alloy under different shock velocities was simulated using MD software with LAMMPS. Laser shock wave promoted the transformation of hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure to body-centered cubic (BCC) and face-centered cubic (FCC) structures in titanium alloy, and the generated dislocation density increased with increasing shock velocity. The severe plastic deformation caused by laser shock wave induced the formation of mechanical twin, subgrain and stacking fault, which was consistent with the (transmission electron microscope) TEM characterization results.

Understanding the fracture mechanisms of Ni–Co–Cr-type superalloys: Role of precipitate evolution and strength degradation

Microstructure stability directly affects the performance degradation of hot-end structural parts such as turbine discs. In this research, long-term (10–10000 h) thermal exposure experiments were conducted on a Ni–Co–Cr type superalloy at 800 °C. The mechanical properties were obtained through high-temperature (750 °C) tensile tests. Subsequently, the microstructure evolution process, including intragranular γ′ and μ phases, and the initiation and propagation of defects were systematically and thoroughly studied. The results showed that intragranular γ′ precipitates coarsened under thermal exposure. After 100 h of thermal exposure, μ phases were observed near the intergranular γ′ precipitates and grain boundaries. The size and volume fraction of the μ phase initially increased, and then remained relatively stable. Numerous cracks formed on the plane of the μ phases and intergranular γ′ precipitates. With an increase in tensile stress, these cracks interconnected and propagated along the intergranular γ′ precipitates, leading to the formation of pores. Moreover, because the size of the intragranular γ′ precipitates exceeded 80 nm, the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) was primarily activated by the Orowan bypassing mechanism. Notably, the CRSS of dislocation motion, such as stacking fault, strong-coupled shearing, and Orowan bypassing, decreased with increasing intragranular γ′ precipitate size. Therefore, the intragranular strength also weakened and the intragranular γ′ precipitates coarsened under continuous thermal conditions. This research on precipitate evolution and failure mechanisms will contribute to a better understanding of failure mechanisms for Ni–Co–Cr-based superalloys.

Molecular dynamics simulation of fatigue damage formation in single-crystal/polycrystalline aluminum

The fatigue plasticity mechanisms and local defect characteristics of engineering materials are critical for addressing fatigue damage. This study aims to identify the formation mechanisms of fatigue damage and delineate the microstructural characteristics that resisted or facilitated fatigue-induced plastic accumulation. The fatigue mechanical properties and microstructural evolution processes of single-crystal/polycrystalline aluminum were investigated through strain-controlled fatigue testing, considering three distinct strain amplitudes. The initiation and cumulative occurrence of local plasticity in single-crystal aluminum occur at the intersections of slip planes, which serve as sources of dislocations. The cumulative formation of irreversible surface steps results in local stress concentration, ultimately leading to fatigue damage at the free surface. Polycrystalline aluminum undergoes grain rotation and merging during cyclic loading, leading to a gradual increase in grain size during plastic deformation. The initiation and cumulative occurrence of local plasticity occur at grain boundaries, ultimately leading to fatigue damage at the grain boundaries.

Identifying multiple synergistic factors on the susceptibility to stress relaxation cracking in variously heat-treated weldments

The 347H austenitic stainless steel has been widely used for pressure vessels and pipeline (PVP) applications due to its excellent creep and corrosion resistance, which fit ideally to the harsh conditions in petrochemical industries, fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, and modern energy storages. However, a failure mode has been commonly observed with cracks emerging at the heat affected zone (HAZ) of weldments during post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) or under intermediate to high temperature service conditions. This phenomenon is termed as Stress Relaxation Cracking (SRC) since the purpose of PWHT is to relieve the welding-induced residual stress fields, or as Stress Age Cracking (SAC) if failure happens during service. A leading literature explanation of this failure suggests that the residual stress relaxation and the precipitation dissolution and/or re-precipitation occur in the same temperature range, which can lead to locally high strains and thus to crack at the grain boundaries. Since in situ spatial measurements of residual stress fields, microstructural evolution, and failure processes are nearly infeasible, this work recourses to a micromechanical finite element framework that models the high temperature failure as the nucleation and growth of grain boundary cavities, whereas various parameters such as thermomechanical loading history and its evolution, the competition of grain-interior dislocation creep and grain-boundary diffusion in failure lifetime, and microstructural heterogeneities (such as the precipitate free zone near grain boundaries) can be quantitatively incorporated. It can be concluded from these microstructure-explicit simulations that an accurate knowledge of residual stress evolution and a carefully calibrated set of material constitutive parameters are the essential prerequisites for lifetime predictions. The understanding of individual governing factors also leads to a mechanistic interpretation of the observed SRC susceptibility C-curves. These results suggest that the criticality of residual stress evolution, but not the precipitation-induced local strains, be the leading factor for SRC.