Method for producing crack-resistant high strength superalloy articles

摘要

A method of heat treating articles cast of a superalloy, comprising a nickel-base alloy capable of forming a chromium carbide precipitate, such as INCONEL 939 TM . The method includes selective heating of the article to cause chromium and carbon nuclei in the lattice of the crystals in the superalloy to go into solution, and selective cooling of the article to cause the formation of discrete chromium carbide nuclei along the grain boundary of the crystals. Additional heating steps may be performed to enhance the size of the chromium carbide nuclei. Articles so treated have improved mechanical properties.