Improving Repair Braze Gap Strength Through the Development of a Novel Superalloy Filler

Superior repairRepair technology is a principal driver for resource-effective operation in the aviation industry. Routine operation of aircraft engines exposes the turbine components to high stresses and high temperaturesHigh temperature. To withstand extreme operational conditions Ni-based superalloysNi- based superalloys are used to manufacture turbine components. A crucial factor in targeting the assurance of repairRepair reliability is improving the repairRepair braze gap strength. This study seeks to improve the braze repairRepair strength by optimising a novel superalloySuperalloys filler material. The superalloySuperalloys filler material acts as a complementary additiveAdditive that is blended with the braze alloy in powder form and improves the joint properties after brazing. The novel superalloySuperalloys filler was developed by materials simulationMaterials simulation using the CALPHADCALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) (CALculation of PHAse Diagram) approach. Phase fieldPhase field modellingModelling using MICRESS® was applied to study the brazing kinetics and microstructureMicrostructure evolution. The developed superalloySuperalloys filler was validated experimentally in respect to microstructureMicrostructure improvement and mechanical potential by tensile testing at service-equivalent temperature (871 °C). The application of the novel superalloySuperalloys filler shows an increase in ultimate tensile strength in comparison with a conventional braze blend.