Combined modelling and miniaturised characterisation of high-temperature forging in a nickel-based superalloy

Journal article

Continuum models and miniaturised experiments are used to elucidate the high-temperature forgeability of the Ni-based superalloy Inconel 903. Uniaxial compression high temperature tests allow the derivation of an apparent activation energy and the strain rate sensitivity of the deformation process, and to propose a unified constitutive model that captures the underlying physics of deformation. Metallographic analysis is then used to elucidate changes in microstructure which arise during the deformation process; microstructure evolution models which define the changes in grain size and recrystallisation during high temperature compression are proposed. Miniaturised forging experiments in double-cone specimens validate the modelling approach under relevant forging conditions at different temperatures and deformation rates. Finally, the deformation behaviour of this material in an industrially relevant manufacturing scenario – the forging process of a turbine disc – is studied numerically.

Authors: Alabort, E; Reed, RC; Barba, D

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Materials and Design
• Volume: 160
• Pages: 683-697
• Publication date: 2018-10-02
• Acceptance date: 2018-09-27
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2018.09.048
• EISSN: 1873-4197
• ISSN: 0264-1275
• Language: English
• Keywords: process modelling; forging; superalloys; turbine discs; continuum plasticity; FFR