High strength nickel based alloys are used in a multitude of advanced systems where lightweight, high power density mechanical power transmission systems are required. Components such as gears, bearings and shafts could be made significantly smaller and more durable if a major improvement in nickel based alloy mechanical properties could be achieved. An important refinement in grain size (includes nanometric level) is thought to be a promising method for achieving fundamental improvements in mechanical properties. Grain size is known to have a significant effect on the mechanical behavior of materials. One of the most favorable methods of achieving extreme grain refinement is by subjecting the materials to severe plastic deformation (SPD). The principal micro-structural variations in superalloys are the precipitation amount and morphology, grain size and the distribution of carbide precipitation that could reduce the mechanical properties of the alloys. This work shows optical and transmission electron microscopy analysis and also hardness data after severe plastic deformation (pure shear stress).
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