International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) |Volume VIII, Issue II, February 2023|ISSN 2454-6194
Commentary on the Thermodynamics of a Super-alloy System (Al-Ni-Cr) Using the Thermocalc Databases
Olatunde David Akanbi
Department of Material Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University
Received: 07 February 2023; Revised: 17 February 2023; Accepted: 21 February 2023; Published: 18 March 2023
Abstract: The present study aims to comprehend the thermodynamics of the Al-Ni-Cr superalloy system utilizing the latest Thermocalc 2022b databases. Thermocalc is a software that has a large database which has become vast over the years. The thermodynamic behavior and stability of the system were examined under varying conditions, including temperature and composition. The findings of this study provide crucial insight into the phase behavior and stability of the Al-Ni-Cr superalloy system, which can inform the optimization of its properties and performance for various industrial applications, compared to previous studies and research. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the thermodynamics of superalloy systems and can be of great benefit to the materials science and engineering communities. The databases used for the binary systems were NIDEMO v2.0 (Nickel Demo database v2.0, including Ni, Cr, and Al – a subset of TCNI) and TCBIN V1.1 (TC Binary Solutions Database, Version 1.0), while for the ternary systems, NIDEMO V2.0 and PURE 5SGTE V5.1 (Pure Elements – Unary Database, Scientific Group Thermodata Europe) were used. The results here demonstrate the great benefits of studying the thermodynamics of this alloy through available database systems and comparing the results with experimental studies.
Keywords: Thermodynamics, Super-alloys, Thermocalc, Al-Ni-Cr, Ternary, Binary
I. Introduction
Thermodynamics is an essential aspect of materials science and engineering, providing insight into the behavior and stability of materials at different temperatures and compositions. This information is crucial for optimizing the processing conditions and ensuring the reliability of materials in high-temperature and corrosive environments. One such material system is the Al-Ni-Cr super-alloy, which is composed of aluminum as the primary element and nickel and chromium as the main alloying elements. The Al-Ni-Cr alloy is a type of superalloy that is known for its high strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. It is commonly used in applications such as aerospace and power generation, where it is subjected to extreme environments and high mechanical stresses. Overall, Al-Ni-Cr alloys are a versatile and widely-used type of alloy that offers a combination of high strength, corrosion resistance [4], and good thermal and electrical conductivity. These properties make them an ideal material for a range of applications in a variety of industries.
The phase diagram for Al-Ni-Cr alloys is complex and involves several phases that can coexist in equilibrium at different temperatures and compositions [5]. At high temperatures, the alloys exist in a single-phase solid solution. As the temperature is lowered, various phases may form, including intermetallic, precipitates, and solid solutions. The phase diagram for Al-Ni-Cr alloys is important because it helps predict the microstructure and properties of the material at different temperatures and compositions [1].
One of the key phases found in Al-Ni-Cr alloys is the Ni3Al intermetallic compound, which has a high melting point and is known for its excellent corrosion resistance. The presence of Ni3Al in the microstructure of these alloys can significantly improve their corrosion resistance compared to pure aluminum alloys.
In every field, there is a paradigm shift towards conforming to the latest technology [2. Software is a necessary tool, and databases provide easy access to the best data for simulation. [3]. This study uses different databases from the latest Thermocalc 2022b database to reproduce some of the diagrams as found on the ASM Alloy Phase Diagram Database. Some diagrams were not found on ASM on this alloy system although several studies had initially been made on it. This database includes PURE 5SGTE V5.1, TCBIN V1.1 Database and NIDEMO V2.0 [13-15]. These databases contain the elements we need to form our alloy system. In the ASM Alloy Phase Diagram Center database, there are several binary phase diagrams, pseudo-binary phase diagrams, and ternary phase diagrams for this alloy system. We will be having a commentary view on the thermodynamics of this alloy system design with this database as given by Thermocalc.