Neutrons Help Improve 3D-Printed Superalloys for Applications in Extreme Environments

Researchers studied stress effects in novel “superalloys” made from two 3D-printed high-strength, high-heat resistant metals. The study found that heat treatments reduce stress created in the materials during manufacturing. It also found that stresses are more likely to be caused by certain manufacturing parameters than they are by the metal’s chemical composition.

Even Superalloys Get Creeped Out From Stress

Researchers design superalloys by embedding particles in a metal matrix. The particles and matrix can deform differently under stress, causing components to fail. Researchers used neutrons to probe the internal stresses in two superalloys at high temperatures and loads to obtain new insights on deformation and validate mathematical models. This will lead to components with longer life and higher reliability.