A physically-based representative stress methodology for predicting stress rupture life of Ni-based DS superalloy

Smooth and three types of U-shape single-edge notched plate specimens adopted to experimentally investigate stress rupture behavior of Ni-based Directionally Solidified (DS) superalloy at 850 °C exhibit notch weakening effect and multi-source cracking initiation near the notch root. However, stress rupture behavior of smooth and V-shape notched round bars at 1040 °C revealed by Li et al indicates notch strengthening effect and creep micro-holes originating mostly from the central portion. A combined creep-viscoplastic constitutive model is employed to analyze the distribution of stress, strain and stress Triaxial Factor (TF) near the notch root. The different stress distribution and creep restraint between asymmetric notched plate specimens and symmetric notched round bars are the main reasons for the corresponding failure mechanism. Meanwhile, a good qualitative relationship exists between TF value and stress rupture life of notched specimen. Especially, the area with maximum TF value (TF_max) is highly consistent with creep damage initiation region. Hence, based on the distribution characteristics of the initial tensile loading, a representative stress method independent of time -changing creep load at the location of TF_max is conducted for life prediction. The predicted results of both smooth and notched plate specimens and round bars agrees well with the experimental results.