Microstructural study: an aid to determination of failure mechanism in nickel base superalloy blades

Cast nickel base superalloys are extensively used for high temperature gas turbine blade applications. The elevated temperature properties in these alloys are optimized through engineered microstructure, which is a combination of (a) γ-solid solution of Ni with elements such as W, Mo, Cr, Ta, Re etc, (b) γ′ precipitates, and (c) dispersed carbides. Over the years, the demand for high engine efficiency has resulted in the development of new...