Design considerations and strengthening mechanisms in developing Co-Re-based alloys for applications at + 100°C above Ni-Superalloys

Abstract

Although Ni-base superalloys meet the gas turbine needs of today, they are used very close to their melting range. Demands for applications at higher temperatures are presently met partly through component cooling and application of thermal barrier coatings. However, this approach can not be sustained indefinitely unless the base metal melting temperature is also significantly increased. Rhenium addition can substantially increase the melting point in Co-base alloys and thereby provide a unique opportunity in the development of new alloys for very high temperatures - e.g. for applications at +100°C metal temperature above present day single crystal Ni-base superalloys. The design considerations behind the Co-Re alloy development are presented in this paper. Selected results from the alloy development studies are also presented. © (2011) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.