Crystallographic, Microstructural, and Mechanical Characterization of Dynamically Processed EP741NP Superalloy

Considerable progress has been made for the solidification of metal powders with improved properties by using varieties of metallurgical methods. However, solidification of superalloy powders offers many difficulties under traditional processes. This article outlines an extensive program being undertaken to produce monoliths of superalloys with enhanced microstructural and mechanical properties. EP741NP superalloy has been subjected to explosive shock wave loading to obtain uniform and crack-free monoliths. An axisymmetric cylindrical configuration with a plastic explosive of high-detonation velocity has been used to consolidate the superalloy powder nearer to its theoretical density (~98 pct). By careful design of experiments, detonation velocity has been measured vis-à-vis compaction of metal powders in a single-shot experiment by employing instrumented detonics. The shock-processed specimens characterized for phase, lattice parameter, and structural variation by X-ray diffraction technique show intact crystalline structure. Results obtained from Williamson-Hall method indicate small micro-strain (2.8 × 10⁻³) and decreased crystallite size. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy suggests no segregation within the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy shows fracture-less and micro-cracks/void-free compacts of superalloy indicating satisfactory sub-structural strength. Indentation experiments with variable loads (1.96 N and 2.94 N) performed on the shock-processed specimen cut along transverse section show high order of Vicker’s micro-hardness value up to 486 H _v. The tensile and compressive strengths of the superalloy monoliths cut along the consolidation axes have been found to be 824 and 834 MPa, respectively.