Derivation of solidification maps & thermo-physical properties of high gamma prime Nickel-based superalloys using in-situ synchrotron imaging

Additive Manufacturing (AM) of high gamma prime nickel-based superalloys is a key enabler for introducing novel component geometries into the core of gas turbine powerplants. The cooling rate these alloys experience during solidification directly determines the manufacturing process window which provides acceptable feature distribution and acceptable microstructures. This project will perform in-situ beamline experiments for both powder bed and direct energy deposition AM processes to investigate the solidification behaviour of a range of alloy systems. The experimental data will be incorporated into process models being developed for these processes and the project will involve some use and modification of these models.
The novel engineering content of the research is in-situ synchrotron imaging of AM using high gamma prime nickel-based superalloys, and AM process modelling.