An innovative testing machine for heating, quenching, tension, compression and cracking studies of industrial relevant high-temperature alloys – HiMat

The goal of this joint project with the Advanced Materials Group at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (MLZ) Zentrum is the implementation of an innovative testing machine at the research neutron source MLZ. This novel sample environment enables in situ measurement of the precipitation kinetics and microstructural evolution of malleable alloys throughout the entire thermomechanical process chain from forming to the subsequent heat treatment steps in order to understand the complex precipitation behavior of this alloy group. This requires an innovative sample environment that enables in situ compressive deformations at temperatures up to 1100 °C with high forming rates and degrees. In addition, the possibility of controlled cooling should be provided in order to be able to measure the precipitation formation. Furthermore, the testing machine is implemented so that crack propagation can be observed in situ during forming of difficult-to-weld alloys or under cyclic loading in an oxygen-containing or free atmosphere. This sample environment is planned to be used at various instruments in order to be able to obtain information on forming phases, their volume fractions, size and shape, dislocation density, textures, recrystallization processes and crack propagation by means of neutron diffraction (ND), neutron small-angle scattering (SANS) and radiography (tomography). The Technical University of Munich (TUM) develops an automated position correction device for the testing machine, including a high-temperature extensiometer, a quenching device and, in particular, a user-friendly integration into the control of the instruments of the MLZ. The Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) upgrades the testing machine for cyclic tests, for tests with oxygen influence, manufactures special sample holder and investigates newly developed Co-alloys. The industrial partner VDM Metals supplies samples of a new Ni alloy for gas turbines for the aerospace and power generation industry.

This project HiMat is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).