Nickel-Based Alloy Composition for Creep Strength and Crack Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing nickel-based superalloys used in additive manufacturing processes face challenges in maintaining high creep resistance while minimizing microcracking, particularly in high-temperature applications.

Innovation Solution

A nickel-based alloy with increased hafnium content (1.8-2.2 wt%) and tailored elemental fractions, including tantalum, improves mechanical properties and reduces solidification cracking, suitable for additive manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If nickel-based superalloys are used in additive manufacturing processes, then high creep resistance is achieved, but microcracking occurs during solidification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecreep resistanceVSAvoidmicrocracking
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the nickel-based alloy by precisely controlling the content of hafnium (1.8-2.2 wt%), tantalum (1.9-2.1 wt%), and other elements. This parameter optimization changes the solidification behavior and microstructure development, enabling the alloy to achieve high creep resistance while minimizing microcracking during additive manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite alloy system combining nickel with multiple strengthening elements (hafnium, tantalum, cobalt, chromium, tungsten, aluminum, molybdenum). This multi-element composite composition synergistically improves creep resistance through phase formation and grain boundary strengthening, while the specific配比 reduces solidification cracking susceptibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If hafnium content is increased to reduce solidification cracking, then microcracking is minimized, but alloy complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolidification cracking resistanceVSAvoidalloy composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the hafnium content parameter to a specific range (1.8-2.2 wt%) rather than using excessive amounts. This controlled parameter change achieves effective solidification cracking resistance while avoiding unnecessary alloy complexity and cost increases associated with higher hafnium concentrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by strategically distributing multiple alloying elements in specific concentrations tailored to their individual functions: hafnium for crack resistance, tantalum for creep strength, and other elements for microstructure control. This localized optimization of properties achieves effective performance without uniform high-concentration mixing of all elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12428705B2Nickel-based alloy, powder, method and component
Publication Date: 2025.09.30 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A nickel-based alloy which includes at least the following alloy elements in wt. %: cobalt (Co) 10.3-10.7, chromium (Cr) 9.8-10.2, tungsten (W) 9.3-9.7, aluminum (Al) 5.2-5.7, hafnium (Hf) 1.8-2.2, tantalum (Ta) 1.9-2.1, molybdenum (Mo) 0.4-0.6, the remainder being nickel and impurities.