The Effect of Laves Phase on the Mechanical Properties of Wrought and Cast + HIP Inconel 718

The effect of varying amounts of Laves phase on the mechanical properties of wrought and cast + HIP Inconel718 is discussed. When present as a continuous or semicontinuous grain boundary network in wrought Inconel718, Laves phase dramatically reduces room temperature tensile ductility and ultimate tensile strength, with room temperature impact and fracture toughness properties and elevated temperature ductility also reduced. Laves may also act as a preferred crack initiation and propagation site, resulting in reduced low cycle fatigue (LCF) p blty d ca a i i an accelerated fatigue crack growth rates. Laves present as large globular aggregates in cast+HIP Inconel 718 significantly reduces room temperature tensile and elevated temperature stress rupture properties. In addition, the phase acts as a preferred crack initiation and propagation site, resulting in significant reductions in smooth and notch LCF capability and an accelerated fatigue crack growth rate. Methods for controlling Laves phase in wrought and cast +HIP Inconel 718 are discussed.