Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Open Access Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Materials Science and Engineering (MS)
Administrative Home Department
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Advisor 1
Paul Sanders
Committee Member 1
John Shingledecker
Committee Member 2
Daniel Seguin
Committee Member 3
Walter Milligan
Abstract
To advance sustainability efforts, electric power plants have reduced specific carbon dioxide emissions by increasing operating temperatures and pressures to improve power generation efficiency. The latest improvements are utilized in advanced ultra-supercritical power generation. To meet these operating conditions, nickel superalloys are used in the highest temperature components; however, they are expensive and present weldability challenges. This project aims to experimentally optimize a nickel superalloy to improve material weldability and decrease cost without compromising strength. Three optimized compositions were developed, and their microstructures and mechanical properties were compared to Nimonic 263, a common nickel superalloy in electric power plants. The Optimized Composition 1 alloy was scaled up to assess weld solidification cracking resistance compared to baseline nickel superalloys. It was found that the Optimized Composition 1 alloy has decreased cost, increased weldability, and comparable strength to Nimonic 263. With further testing, this alloy may be a viable replacement for some commercial nickel superalloys in advanced ultra-supercritical power generation.
Recommended Citation
Mehl, Sophie A., "NICKEL SUPERALLOY COMPOSITION AND PROCESS OPTIMIZATION FOR WELDABILITY, COST, AND STRENGTH", Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, 2024.