The coarsening kinetics of γ′ particles in nickel-based alloys

The present article describes a method for calculating the coarsening rate of gamma' in Ni-based superalloys, which has been applied to both binary Ni-Al alloys and a wide range of multicomponent alloys. A standard coarsening equation is utilized, but innovative methods for calculating the critical input parameters are presented. The article details methods of estimating interfacial energies and the effective diffusion coefficients that are key parameters for the coarsening model. Self-consistent calculations are made via a computer program in which the only input required is the composition of the alloys and the temperature of coarsening. The effects of coherent strain on the coarsening process have also been analyzed and discussed.