Investigator: Cynthia Rodenkirchen

Supervisor: Dr. Stella Pedrazzini and Prof. Mary Ryan

Collaborators: Rolls Royce

Duration: 28/02/2020 – 28/08/2023

Description:

Ni-based superalloys, commonly used e.g. in turbines for aircraft engines, are an important material class for operations at high temperature and high stress. They exhibit high mechanical strength and resistance to thermal creep deformation even at temperatures close to their melting points. Another essential characteristic of these superalloys is corrosion resistance. By investigation of several superalloys with varying Mo and W compositions, this study aims to understand the effect of Mo and W on type-2 hot corrosion of Ni-based superalloys.

Investigator: D R Clarke

Supervisors: Dr S. Pedrazzini (Primary), Dr B. Gault, Dr A. K. Ackerman

Collaborators: Rolls-Royce plc

Duration: 01/10/2019 – 01/10/2022 (PhD Studentship)

Abstract: The use of nickel-based superalloys for aerospace applications for turbine blades and discs is well documented, due to their high temperature mechanical properties and microstructural stability. One of the key challenges to their use is corrosion, which can be mitigated through the formation of a surface passivating, adherent oxide scale. Trace amounts of alloying elements effect the thermal probability for certain oxides to form. Utilising this phenomenon, a preferable compound oxide layer can be tailored to unique alloy operations. We will investigate the effects of certain elements on Ni-based superalloys, contributing to a multi-faceted investigation into reducing environmental degradation.