High temperature deformation of nickel base superalloy Udimet 520

The high temperature deformation behaviour of nickel base superalloy Udimet 520 was characterised using hot compression isothermal tests. Hot compression tests were conducted between 900 and 1150degreesC with strain rates of 0-001, 0-01, 0-1 and 1 s(-1). Testing at less than or equal to950degreesC led to sample fracture for all the applied strain rates. The flow behaviour at 1000, 1050 and 1075degreesC indicated the occurrence of dynamic recovery. For specimens tested at 1100, 1125 and 1150degreesC, recrystallisation is the softening mechanism. The strain rate sensitivity factor m was estimated for various thermomechanical histories. The activation energy for the hot deformation was determined to be 780 kJ mol(1). The Zener-Hollomon parameter was also determined and its variation with grain size was studied with deformation conditions. The microstructures of all samples were examined by both optical and scanning electron microscopy. The presence and variations in the morphology and size distribution of deformed and recrystallised grains were determined and related to the deformation conditions.