Processing map for controlling microstructure in hot working of hot isostatically pressed powder metallurgy NIMONIC AP-1 superalloy

The hot deformation behavior of hot isostatically pressed (HIP) NIMONIC AP-1 superalloy is characterized using processing maps in the temperature range 950 °C to 1200 °C and strain rate range 0.001 to 100 s-1. The dynamic materials model has been used for developing the processing maps which show the variation of the efficiency of power dissipation given by [2m/(m + 1)] with temperature and strain rate, with m being the strain rate sensitivity of flow stress. The processing map revealed a domain of dynamic recrystallization with a peak efficiency of 40 pct at 1125 °C and 0.3 s-1, and these are the optimum parameters for hot working. The microstructure developed under these conditions is free from prior particle boundary (PPB) defects, cracks, or localized shear bands. At 100 s-1 and 1200 °C, the material exhibits intercrystalline cracking, while at 0.001 s-1, the material shows wedge cracks at 1200 °C and PPB cracking at 1000 °C. Also at strain rates higher than 10 s-1, adiabatic shear bands occur, the limiting conditions for this flow instability are accurately predicted by a continuum criterion based on the principles of irreversible thermodynamics of large plastic flow.