Tantalum in superalloys

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Advanced Materials and Processes

OSTI ID:247998

Forde, P T ^[1]

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1. H.C. Starck Inc., Newton, MA (United States)

Tantalum is a strategic alloying element that is added to nickel-base superalloys to develop higher-temperature mechanical properties, better hot corrosion resistance, and longer life. Nickel-base superalloys are the predominant materials in the so-called hot section of gas turbine engines, and comprise approximately 50% of the weight of advanced aircraft engines. Tantalum played a role in some of the original nickel-base precipitation-strengthened alloys, and is now an important constituent in single-crystal alloys. Tantalum has played a role in both polycrystalline and single crystal superalloys. However, as the technology advanced, producing new families of alloys, tantalum`s role changed too, along with the mechanism by which it enhances superalloy performance.

• OSTI ID: 247998
• Journal Information: Advanced Materials and Processes, Journal Name: Advanced Materials and Processes Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 149; ISSN 0882-7958; ISSN AMAPEX
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CORROSION RESISTANCE
CUBIC LATTICES
DEFECTS
GAS TURBINE ENGINES
GRAIN BOUNDARIES
GRAIN SIZE
INTERMETALLIC COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MICROSTRUCTURE
NICKEL BASE ALLOYS
SERVICE LIFE
SOLID SOLUTIONS
TANTALUM ALLOYS
TANTALUM CARBIDES