Major applications of Nickel Base Super alloys

Superalloys are heat resistant alloys containing nickel, nickel-iron and cobalt that have a combination of mechanical strength and resistance to surface degradation. Actually,  it is basically used in gas turbines, coal conversion plants and chemical plants and for other specialized applications that need heat and corrosion resistance. A significant characteristic of nickel base alloys is their use in load-bearing applications at temperatures above 80% of their incipient melting points, a part that is more than for any other type of engineering alloys.

Nickel base super alloys are the most complex and commonly used materials for the hottest parts and for many metallurgists, these are most attractive super alloys. Presently they contribute more than 50% weight of advanced aircraft engines. The major properties of nickel as an alloy base are the high phase stability of FCC nickel matrix and capability to be reinforced by various direct and indirect sources. Additionally, the surface stability of nickel is enhanced by alloying with chromium and aluminum.

The major use is in the development of gas turbines for application in commercial and military aircraft, power production and marine propulsion. Superalloys find common applications in oil and gas plants, space vehicles, submarines, nuclear reactors, military electric motors, chemical processing vessels and heat exchanger tubes. Many generations of super alloys have been made for higher temperature resistance.

High temperature applications of super alloys

The high temperature applications of super alloys are wide such as in aircraft, chemical plants and petrochemical plants. Additionally super alloys are commonly used in aerospace and marine plants, nuclear reactors, heat exchanger tubes and industrial gas turbines. In F119 engine that is a latest version of military engines to power high performance aircrafts. The gas temperatures in these engines in the hot areas may increase to levels above 2000oF. Quenching methods decrease the real component metal temperatures to lower levels and super alloys that can serve at these limits are the major components of hot regions of these engines.

Aero and Land Turbines

The super alloys offer high temperature creep and fatigue resistant non-rotating applications that involve lower stress levels as compare to rotating components.

Turbine vanes and other static non-rotating components are widely designed with low coefficient of thermal expansion and high thermal conductivity. With prolong service life, land based casting specifications are becoming more complicated.

Surgical Implants

Nickel based alloys have high strength with good ductility and corrosion resistance and bio-compatibility. The alloy implants are developed by casting, forging and powder metallurgy. The alloys are used for orthopaedic implants such as artificial hips and knees.

Gas Turbine Engines

Superalloys are widely used in gas turbine engines that serve at high temperatures and need high strength, good creep resistance and good corrosion and oxidation resistance. In turbine engines this is in the high pressure turbine where blades can serve at temperatures reaching if not over their melting points.

Oil and gas plants

Nickel based super alloys have wide applications in oil and gas industry that involve corrosive and challenging media. Nickel based alloys Inconel 718 wire is commonly used in oil and natural gas development.