Microstructure and mechanical degradation of K403 Ni-based superalloy from ultra-long-term serviced turbine blade

The effective characterization of the mechanical property degradation of turbine blades in service for an ultra-long-term had a significant impact on the service safety and maintenance decisions of turbine blades. In this study, the microstructure observation and mechanical property study of the K403 polycrystalline Ni-based superalloy turbine blade under four service times were carried out, using microstructure characterization methods to quantify the microstructure evolution of the superalloy at different parts of the turbine blade with increasing service time. The effects of the microstructure degradation of the superalloy under ultra-long-term service on the mechanical properties of the turbine blade were analyzed. The results show that the microstructural degradation characteristics of the superalloy turbine blades under ultra-long-term service were strongly correlated with the spatial structural characteristics of the turbine blades after service, and it was found that the carbon elements and other elements inside and at the boundary of the carbide showed regular migration behavior with the increase in service time. The regular influence of microstructural degradation of superalloy turbine blades under ultra-long-term service on their mechanical properties was demonstrated. These results can provide empirical support for the study of the predicted residual properties of nickel-based superalloy turbine blades under ultra-long-term service.