| Abstract Scope |
Ni-based superalloys are widely used in aerospace and industrial fields due to their superior mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, along with oxidation and corrosion resistance. The novel Ni-Co based superalloys, with higher contents of Co, Ti, Nb, and Ta than the commercial C&W Ni-base alloy U720Li, exhibit enhanced temperature capability and are considered potential materials for aero-engine turbine disks. Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the fabrication of near-net-shape metal components that are difficult to produce via conventional techniques, but its component size is limited by build chamber dimensions. Electron beam welding (EBW), with higher power density and minimal component distortion compared to arc welding, offers a feasible way to join multiple parts into larger structures. However, rapid cooling during AM and EBW retards γ' particle precipitation and induces high residual stress, deteriorating joint mechanical properties, making pre/post-weld heat treatment necessary. Additionally, large thermal gradients during welding cause microstructure and mechanical property gradients across the weld interface (i.e., microstructure-dependent mechanical properties), which are critical to study. Existing high-throughput methods (nano-indentation, micro-compression) focus on compressive properties, deviating from actual service conditions, and high-throughput measurements under service-like deformation remain rarely reported—key for process optimization and EBW application. |