Fatigue of the Near-Alpha Ti-Alloy Ti6242

Ti6242 is the workhorse of high-temperature Ti-alloys in the high pressure compressor of aero engines. In this study the influence on isothermal fatigue of different load controls, i.e. stress, total strain and plastic strain control at different temperatures and environments was investigated. The alloy had a bi-modal microstructure (some 30 vol.% primary alpha), which yields a good balance between fatigue and creep properties. In addition thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) tests were also performed. Modelling lifetime on the basis of a Basquin–Coffin–Manson relationship revealed only marginal scattering in the temperature range between 350°C and 650°C. Increasing the temperature led to a decrease in lifetime. This can be attributed to increased oxidation and creep. The latter one is clearly seen in isothermal tests under stress control. Tests in vacuum resulted in longer lifetimes. In-phase TMF tests exhibited a longer lifetime than out-of-phase tests, with a factor of about 4. Lifetime and stress response of in-phase tests are similar to the corresponding lifetime of an isothermal test at the maximum temperature. This similarity can be considered as a starting point for modelling TMF behaviour on the basis of isothermal fatigue.     

Lifetime simulation of thermo-mechanically loaded components

The estimation of the lifetime of thermo-mechanically loaded components by testing is very costly and time-consuming, since the high temperature cycle time in practical application dominates the test duration. Common frequencies for TMF (thermo-mechanical fatigue) tests are at about 0.01 Hz compared to 10–100 Hz at HCF (high cycle fatigue) and about 0.1–1 Hz at isothermal LCF (low cycle fatigue) tests. Therefore, the simulation of fatigue life is an important design step in the fast moving and competitive automotive industry, where the steady rise of engine power and the demand for lightweight construction concurrent with enhanced reliability require an optimised dimensioning process. Methods and models are usually derived from results made on tests with specimens, since it is possible to systematically and exactly define loading parameters and measurement categories. After an extensive test programme (tensile tests, creep tests, low cycle fatigue tests and thermo-mechanical fatigue tests with different influences on specimens) it was possible to develop material models for the simulation of the time- and temperature dependent stress–strain hystereses and damage models for the simulation of the TMF lifetime. Based on this knowledge the whole simulation chain to determine the TMF life of a component is introduced: thermal calculation, mechanical calculation and lifetime calculation. Furthermore the transferability of specimen based simulation models to real components (an alternative test piece and a cylinder head) is investigated.     

Characterization of mechanical properties of aluminum cast alloy at elevated temperature

The tensile response, the low cycle fatigue(LCF) resistance, and the creep behavior of an aluminum(Al) cast alloy are studied at ambient and elevated temperatures.A non-contact real-time optical extensometer based on the digital image correlation(DIC)is developed to achieve strain measurements without damage to the specimen. The optical extensometer is validated and used to monitor dynamic strains during the mechanical experiments. Results show that Young's modulus of the cast alloy decreases with the increasing temperature, and the percentage elongation to fracture at 100℃ is the lowest over the temperature range evaluated from 25℃ to 300℃. In the LCF test, the fatigue strength coefficient decreases, whereas the fatigue strength exponent increases with the rising temperature. The fatigue ductility coefficient and exponent reach maximum values at 100℃. As expected, the resistance to creep decreases with the increasing temperature and changes from 200℃ to 300℃.     

Multiaxial creep and cyclic plasticity in nickel-base superalloy C263

Physically-based constitutive equations for uniaxial creep deformation in nickel alloy C263 [Acta Mater. 50 (2002) 2917] have been generalised for multiaxial stress states using conventional von Mises type assumptions. A range of biaxial creep tests have been carried out on nickel alloy C263 in order to investigate the stress state sensitivity of creep damage evolution. The sensitivity has been quantified in C263 and embodied within the creep constitutive equations for this material. The equations have been implemented into finite element code. The resulting computed creep behaviour for a range of stress state compares well with experimental results. Creep tests have been carried out on double notched bar specimens over a range of nominal stress. The effect of the notches is to introduce multiaxial stress states local to the notches which influences creep damage evolution. Finite element models of the double notch bar specimens have been developed and used to test the ability of the model to predict correctly, or otherwise, the creep rupture lifetimes of components in which multiaxial stress states exist. Reasonable comparisons with experimental results are achieved. The γ^′ solvus temperature of C263 is about 925 °C, so that thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) loading in which the temperature exceeds the solvus leads to the dissolution of the γ^′ precipitate, and a resulting solution treated material. The cyclic plasticity and creep behaviour of the solution treated material is quite different to that of the material with standard heat treatment. A time-independent cyclic plasticity model with kinematic and isotropic hardening has been developed for solution treated and standard heat treated nickel-base superalloy C263. It has been combined with the physically-based creep model to provide constitutive equations for TMF in C263 over the temperature range 20–950 °C, capable of predicting deformation and life in creep cavitation-dominated TMF failure.     

A crystallographic model for the orientation dependence of low cyclic fatigue property of a nickel-base single crystal superalloy

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Creep,plasticity, and fatigue of single crystal superalloy

Single crystal components in gas turbine engines are subject to such extreme temperatures and stresses that life prediction becomes highly inaccurate resulting in components that can only be shown to meet their requirements through experience. Reliable life prediction methodologies are required both for design and life management. In order to address this issue we have developed a thermo-viscoplastic constitutive model for single crystal materials. Our incremental large strain formulation additively decomposes the inelastic strain rate into components along the octahedral and cubic slip planes. We have developed a crystallographic-based creep constitutive model able to predict sigmoidal creep behavior of Ni base superalloys. Inelastic shear rate along each slip system is expressed as a sum of a time dependent creep component and a rate independent plastic component. We develop a new robust, computationally efficient rate-independent crystal plasticity approach and combined it with creep flow rule calibrated for Ni-based superalloys. The transient variation of each of the inelastic components includes a back stress for kinematic hardening and latent hardening parameters to account for the stress evolution with inelastic strain as well as the evolution for dislocation densities. The complete formulation accurately predicts both monotonic and cyclic tests at different crystallographic orientations for constant and variable temperature conditions (low cycle fatigue (LCF) and thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF) tests). Based on the test and modeling results we formulate a new life prediction criterion suitable for both LCF and TMF conditions.     

高温合金材料循环相关热机械疲劳寿命预测

在变温非线性运动强化规律所描述的高温合金材料热机械寿命应力－应变循环特性的基础上，讨论了应变控制的循环相关热机械疲劳寿命预测技术，所建模型采用了由应变以密度表示的损伤参数，并且引入了温度损伤系数，考虑了温度变化范围以及温度循环和应变循环相位关系对疲劳寿命的影响，在确定模型的一些参数，采用等温力学试验和疲劳试验的数据，为了把等温疲劳研究成果推广到变温疲劳分析领域，开辟了新的途径。     

Transversely isotropic viscoplasticity model for a directionally solidified Ni-base superalloy

A transversely isotropic continuum viscoplasticity model has been formulated to capture the fatigue and creep responses of a directionally solidified (DS) polycrystalline Ni-base superalloy used mainly in turbine blades. This model has been implemented as an ABAQUS User MATerial (UMAT) subroutine using a semi-implicit integration scheme. Isothermal uniaxial fatigue data from tests conducted with and without hold times and creep data are used to characterize the stress–strain response at temperatures ranging from 427 °C to 1038 °C. The scheme leads to reduction of the associated computational costs when compared to a crystal viscoplasticity model that explicitly considers 3-D grain structure. The macroscopic elastoviscoplastic model is shown to simulate the homogenized deformation response of the polycrystalline DS alloy for various isothermal histories. The predictive capability of this model is verified using both in-phase and out-of-phase TMF data, and is compared to the results of analysis of a single crystal in terms of stress concentration and stress distribution for a model problem of a plate with a central hole.     

高温合金材料循环相关和时间相关热机械疲劳循环性能模拟

从平衡热力学不可逆系统出发，用非线性粘弹塑性运动强化莱模拟高温合金材料的应变控制热机械疲劳循环特性。讨论了温度变化和应变循环的相位关系，循环相关和时间相关热机械疲劳损伤机制，蠕变和疲劳间的相互作用。在建立本构关系和状态方程时，均考虑了温度变化所产生的影响。     

Influence of temperature on a carbon–fibre epoxy composite subjected to static and fatigue loading under mode-I delamination

In this paper, interlaminar crack initiation and propagation under mode-I with static and fatigue loading of a composite material are experimentally assessed for different test temperatures. The material under study is made of a 3501-6 epoxy matrix reinforced with AS4 unidirectional carbon fibres, with a symmetric laminate configuration [0°]_16/S. In the experimental programme, DCB specimens were tested under static and fatigue loading. Based on the results obtained from static tests, fatigue tests were programmed to analyse the mode-I fatigue behaviour, so the necessary number of cycles was calculated for initiation and propagation of the crack at the different temperatures. G–N curves were determined under fatigue loading, N being the number of cycles at which delamination begins for a given energy release rate. G_ICmax–a, a–N and da/dN–a curves were also determined for different G_cr rates (90%, 85%, 75%, etc.) and different test temperatures: 90 °C, 50 °C, 20 °C, 0 °C, ?30 °C and ?60 °C.     

Effect of low cycle fatigue pre-damage on very high cycle fatigue

Carbon-manganese steel is often applied in components of pipes in nuclear plant. Ultrasonic fatigue tests following low cycle fatigue (LCF) cycles damaged are used to study the strength of very high cycle fatigure (VHCF). The comparison of test results of simple VHCF and cumulative fatigue (LCF plus VHCF) shows that LCF load influences the following VHCF strength. Continuum damage mechanics model is extended to VHCF region. The effect of LCF load on VHCF is studied by an improved cumulative damage model.     

TEMPERATURE EFFECT ON LOW-CYCLE FATIGUE BEHAVIOR OF NICKEL-BASED SINGLE CRYSTALLINE SUPERALLOY

The low-cycle fatigue （LCF） behavior of a nickel-based single crystal superalloy with [001] orientation was studied at an intermediate temperature of T0℃ and a higher temperature of To ＋ 250℃ under a constant low strain rate of 10^-3 s^-1 in ambient atmosphere. The superalloy exhibited cyclic tension-compression asymmetry which is dependent on the temperature and applied strain amplitude. Analysis on the fracture surfaces showed that the surface and subsurface casting micropores were the major crack initiation sites. Interior Ta-rich carbides were frequently observed in all specimens. Two distinct types of fracture were suggested by fractogaphy. One type was characterized by Mode-I cracking with a microscopically rough surface at To ＋ 250℃. Whereas the other type at lower temperature T0℃ favored either one or several of the octahedral {111} planes, in contrast to the normal Mode-I growth mode typically observed at low loading frequencies （several Hz）. The failure mechanisms for two cracking modes are shearing of γ＇ precipitates together with the matrix at T0℃ and cracking confined in the matrix and the γ/γ＇interface at To - 250℃.     

Complex investigation of deformation twinning in γ-TiAl by TEM and neutron diffraction

A near-γ TiAl based alloy with 2 at% of Nb was investigated by means of collaborative research based on transmission electron microscopy and in-situ neutron diffraction techniques with the aim to study mechanical twinning and its role within the mechanisms governing fatigue response and material properties. In-situ neutron diffraction measurements were performed during low cycle fatigue straining at room temperature. Induced lattice strain related to the formation of deformation twins was detected and used to follow changes in the macroscopic material response caused by the twinning process during cycling. A microscopic insight was realised by using several transmission electron microscopy techniques to reveal in detail an internal deformation microstructure of the material at the beginning as well as at the end of the fatigue life. The study was focused on the first loading cycles where the material shows intense cyclic hardening. The effect of mechanical twinning on the material behaviour at several stages of the fatigue life is discussed for two different total strain amplitudes of 0.2% and 0.4%.     

Apparatus for studying cyclic stress-strain and fatigue at elevated temperatures

An apparatus is described which permits tubular specimens to be heated to a uniform temperature, while being cyclically strained with a constant amplitude of alternating strain about a fixed mean strain. Under these conditions, tests were performed in which the mean stress was measured as a function of the number of cycles of repeated strain for the alloys Udimet 700 and Rene 41 at 1300°F. These data along with fatigue fracture data are reported.     

Conductive polymers as fatigue-damage indicators

A conducting polymer consisting of graphite particles in on epoxy matrix has been employed as a transducer. When subjected to strain, the conductor undergoes a resistance change which is due to the variation in contact pressure between the particles. Of more importance is the permanent resistance change produced in the conductor as it is cycled. This resistance change is due to a wear mechanism which improves the contact area between adjacent particles. The permanent resistance change is a consistent and reproducible function of the strain range and the number of cycles. As such, the conductor can be employed as a sensor to indicate fatigue damage. Studies conducted with two-level fatigue tests indicate that the sensor can be employed with complex strain histories. The sensor output in two-level fatigue tests of both the high-low and low-high sequence was interaction free but dependent on the magnitude of the strain range. Nevertheless, a simple graphical approach was established to predict fatigue exposure from the output. Stability of the sensor to both time and temperature was examined. Resistance changes associated with time are small and monotonic initially and, after an initial stabilization period of a month, the changes are negligible. Temperature stability represents a more significant problem which will require further work. However it appears that the sensor will perform adequately in the temperature range of 75±15°F.     

Cyclic behavior of unidirectional and cross-ply titanium matrix composites

Relatively simple and efficient micromechanical models are used to obtain the uniaxial response of SCS-6/Timetal 21S with [0]₄ and [0/90]_s laminates when subjected to isothermal and thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) loadings. Features of the modeling that are required to obtain the accurate deformation behavior for this class of materials under these loadings are highlighted. To this end, a comparison is made between the concentric cylinder model and the uniaxial stress model for representing the [0] laminate. The axial stresses from the two models are very similar under mechanical loading. The greatest differences appear under thermal loading alone. The differences on the composite response between a time-independent elastic-plastic and a viscoplastic matrix constitutive model are also examined. The latter is based on the Bodner-Partom unified constitutive model. The [0/90] laminate is treated by adding a parallel element with smeared [90] ply properties to the [0] model and invoking axial strain compatibility as well as stress equilibrium. The proposed constitutive law for the [90] ply includes both matrix viscoplasticity and fiber/matrix separation damage and is based on damage mechanics concepts. The effect of cyclic frequency on TMF behavior is examined. The in-phase TMF life is shown to be very sensitive to frequency due to the relaxation of matrix stress and the attendant increase in fiber stress.     

A High-frequency High-temperature Optical Strain/Displacement Gage

This paper describes an optical method for measuring strain or crack-opening displacement at high frequencies (20 kHz) and high temperatures (590°C) on a near-real-time basis. Two small reflective markers are placed on a smooth specimen or across a crack. When illuminated with a laser, interference fringes are generated; their motion can be monitored with photomultiplier tubes. The data acquisition system acquires 200 points per 50 microsecond cycle. These are processed, displayed, and stored at a rate of 25 Hz. Applications are in the general area of very high cycle (10⁹ cycles or more) fatigue. Demonstration tests at 20 kHz at room temperature with a strain range of 0.45 percent and at 590°C with a range of 0.2 percent are presented along with room temperature displacements up to 0.7 μm across the center of a 1.4 mm long crack.     

A viscoplastic constitutive model for nickel-base superalloy,part 2: modeling under anisothermal conditions

In Part 2 of this study, extensive deformation tests were carried out on the nickel-base polycrystalline superalloy IN738LC under isothermal and anisothermal conditions between 450 and 950 °C. Under the isothermal conditions, the material showed almost no rate/time-dependency below 700 °C, while it showed distinct rate/time-dependency above 800 °C. Regarding the cyclic deformation, slight cyclic hardening behavior was observed when the temperature was below 700 °C and the imposed strain rate was fast, whereas in the case of the temperature above 800 °C or under slower strain rate conditions, the cyclic hardening behavior was scarcely observed. Unique inelastic behavior was observed under in-phase and out-of-phase anisothermal conditions: with an increase in the number of cycles, the stress at higher temperatures became smaller and the stress at lower temperatures became larger in absolute value although the stress range was approximately constant during the cyclic loading. In other words, the mean stress continues to evolve cycle-by-cycle in the direction of the stress at lower temperatures. Based on the experimental results, it was assumed that evolution of the variable Y that had been incorporated into a kinematic hardening rule in Part 1 of this study is active under higher temperatures and is negligible under lower temperatures. The material constants used in the constitutive equations were determined with the isothermal data, and were expressed as functions of temperature empirically. The extended viscoplastic constitutive equations were applied to the anisothermal cyclic loading as well as the monotonic tension, stress relaxation, creep and cyclic loading under the isothermal conditions. It was demonstrated that the present viscoplastic constitutive model was successful in describing the inelastic behavior of the material adequately, including the anomalous inelastic behavior observed under the anisothermal conditions, owing to the consideration of the variable Y.     

Stable Speckle Patterns for Nano-scale Strain Mapping up to 700 °C

The digital image correlation (DIC) of speckle patterns obtained by vapour-assisted gold remodelling at 200 – 350 °C has already been used to map plastic strains with submicron resolution. However, it has not so far proved possible to use such patterns for testing at high temperatures. Here we demonstrate how a gold speckle pattern can be made that is stable at 700 °C, to study deformation in a commercial TiAl alloy (Ti-45Al-2Nb-2Mn(at%)-0.8 vol% TiB₂). The pattern is made up of a uniformly sized random array of Au islands as small as 15 nm in diameter, depending on reconstruction parameters, with a sufficiently small spacing to be suitable for nano-scale, nDIC, strain mapping at a subset size of 60 × 60 nm². It can be used at temperatures up to 700 °C for many hours, for high cycle fatigue testing for instance. There is good particle attachment to the substrate. It can withstand ultra-sound cleaning, is thermally stable and has a high atomic number contrast for topography-free backscatter electron imaging.     

High-temperature fatigue-life estimation: Extension of a unified theory

A procedure is presented for predicting the fatigue behavior at elevated temperature by extending the unified theory of fatigue damage previously proposed for room temperature. The method predicts the experimental results of high-temperature push-pull tests under isothermal conditions, using the total strain range. The analysis is based on parameters obtained from short-term tensile tests in which the temperature and the strain rate are the same as for the fatigue test. The procedure is applied for fatigue of a stainless steel at 650°C under cyclic axial strain. It has also been applied to published data for three austenitic stainless steels. In general, the present procedure gives estimates closer to experimental results than those obtained from other known methods.