Physics-Based Probabilistic Life-Prediction Model for Advanced Hot-Section Turbine Disk Materials with Gradient Microstructures

In a previous collaboration with Rolls-Royce, UES and QuesTek developed various multi-physics based property prediction models for a dual microstructure heat treatment (DMHT) turbine disk alloy RR1000, and demonstrated feasibilities of those models and approaches for the property prediction in the microstructure transition region of the DMHT RR1000. Models and approaches developed and utilized in an early research program included a fast acting yield stress prediction code, a microstructure-sensitive creep model, a microstructure-sensitive fatigue life (S/N) prediction framework, and an analytical method for volume-based probabilistic description of microstructure anomalies. The current research program involves an active collaboration between UES, QuesTek and Rolls-Royce in order to refine, calibrate and validate our microstructure-sensitive modeling tools and approaches, and integrate those modeling tools and approaches for the prediction of location specific properties in the microstructure transition region of a DMHT RR1000 disk. We are confident that UES’s expertise combined with QuesTek’s expertise (together with the technical support from Rolls-Royce) will bring a synergistic effect to provide better lifing tools to predict and control complex thermomechanical responses in the microstructure transition region of DMHT disks.