Modern air travel relies on the safe and efficient operation of gas turbine engines, which are made possible by advanced materials. Super alloys are needed in these applications because of their high strength and resistance to creep at high temperatures. One of these critical super alloys is the nickel based super alloy IN-100, created by the Special Metals Corporation. While the excellent properties of IN-100 at normal operating temperatures are well known, its reaction to higher temperatures for different periods of time is not. This information could be very useful after an accident such as a bearing fire, in determining the ability to return engine components to regular service would save enormous amounts of money in replacement part costs. Unfortunately the data to support such decisions does not exist. This project attempted to remedy that situation by providing the microstructural analysis needed to confidently make such decisions. Samples of IN-100 were heat treated for controlled temperatures and times, and subsequent quantitative microscopy was performed. Analysis of each sample was conducted to determine grain size, the shape, fraction, and size of gamma prime precipitates and carbide size and fraction.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Berk, Brian J.
• Beaulieu, Joshua R.
• Criscione, Mark A.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 06D480M

Advisor

• Sisson, Richard D.

Year

• 2006

Sponsor

• Pratt & Whitney Group

Date created

• 2006-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright