Microstructural evolution in the cross section of Ni-based superalloy induced by high power laser shock processing

Microstructural evolution in the cross-section of Ni-based superalloy GH202 treated by high power laser shock processing (LSP) were investigated. The microstructures on surfaces and cross-sections of alloy specimens were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that dislocation slip and twinning were generated simultaneously during plastic deformation induced by high power LSP, with many low-angle grain boundaries and twins produced in the surface. The dynamic recrystallization occurred at the spot overlap after LSP due to the crystal migration and subgrain rotation. The dislocation multiplication promoted dislocations to pile up and form dislocation stacking and tangling in the subsurface. The multisystem slippage occurred in the plastic deformation induced by LSP from 40 to 130 mu m depth and the motion of dislocation lines in two or more slip systems formed dislocation arrays and subgrains. In areas over 200 mu m depth from the surface, dislocation density significantly decreased and a small amount of subgrains and dislocation cells remained. Therefore, LSP had a positive effect on grain refinement, formation of low-angle grain boundaries, and mechanical property improvements.

Automated summary

The study found that high power laser shock processing induced microstructural evolution in the Ni-based superalloy GH202, including dislocation slip and twinning. LSP also promoted dynamic recrystallization and the formation of dislocation arrays and subgrains within 250 microns in depth. Beyond 200 microns, the dislocation density significantly decreased.