Analysis of High Temperature Ni Brazing via 3D µXCT & Differential Scanning Calorimetry

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Component repair is critical for the lifecycle of aero-engine and industrial gas turbines, increasing lifespan thus reducing costs and environmental waste. The Ni based superalloys that comprise the hot section components of a gas turbine are typically repaired using a powder-based brazing process or a wire-based welding process. Brazing is advantageous because of its ability to fill structural cracks and rebuild complex components segments while not interacting excessively with the base metal. Unlike welding, brazing does not involve melting of the workpiece.Although much is known of the final physical metallurgy and mechanical properties of a Ni superalloy component repaired via powder metallurgy, there is limited knowledge regarding the underlying mechanisms occurring during brazing. In this collaborative study with Liburdi Turbine Services, an experimentally-based research project will be undertaken to characterize the physical structure and evolving interactions between the various brazing materials during the Liburdi Powder Metallurgy(TM) repair process. Advanced in situ and operando 3D X-ray computed tomographic microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry techniques will be utilized to create a library of 3D images showing the structural evolution of the material, and to supplement these images with quantitative insight of the corresponding phase transformations. The research results will enable Liburdi to improve their processes for creating high-strength repairs of Ni superalloy components used in gas turbine applications.