On the dwell-fatigue crack propagation behavior of a high strength superalloy manufactured by electron beam melting

Abstract To demonstrate the reliability of additively manufactured superalloys for critical turbine engine components, dynamic tests simulating in-service condition are required. The present study aims to study the dwell-fatigue crack propagation behaviors of IN718 manufactured via electron beam melting (EBM). The textured and columnar-grained microstructure of EBM IN718 shows anisotropic dwell-fatigue cracking resistance when loading axis is aligned parallel and perpendicular to the columnar grains. High and low angle grain boundaries interact differently with the dwell-fatigue cracking path. The effect of different heat treatments on the cracking behavior is also discussed. The dwell-fatigue crack propagation rate of EBM IN718 is compared with forged IN718 under both dwell-fatigue test condition and pure fatigue test condition. The superiority of dwell-fatigue cracking resistance of EBM IN718 to forged IN718 is shown and discussed.