SANS Investigation of γ´ Precipitate Morphology Evolution in Creep Exposed Single Crystal Ni Base Superalloy

The creep degraded nickel base single crystal superalloy CMSX-4 of two axial orientations [001] and [111] was investigated with aim to assess the structure degradation. Constant load creep tests were conducted in the stress/temperature ranges of 250–780 MPa/750 – 50°C resulting in rupture time variation from 50 to 4000 hours. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and non-destructive small-angle neutron scattering method (SANS) was used to investigate the directional coarsening (rafting) of the gamma prime (γ') precipitates in relation to the stress and temperature applied as well as to the initial crystallographic orientation of the specimens. The SANS results are discussed in terms of the correlation with the raft development, the axial orientation of specimen, the creep parameters and the mechanical properties.