The innovation engine for new materials

Tim Phillips

Tim Phillips, Mechanical Engineering, UCSB

Major: 

Mechanical Engineering

University: 

University of California Santa Barbara

Mentor(s): 

Luke Rettberg

Faculty Sponsor(s): 

Tresa Pollock

Faculty Sponsor's Department(s): 

Materials

Project Title: 

CHARACTERIZING SINGLE CRYSTAL NICKEL-BASED SUPERALLOY DAMAGE THROUGH RESONANT INSPECTION

Project Description: 

René N5, a single crystal nickel-based superalloy, is a commonly used material in turbine blades for jet and land- based gas turbine engines. Due to the high costs associated with the material and casting process, repair of the blades is preferential to replacement, but it is difficult to determine the degree of damage imparted during service and if the part has been successfully repaired without destroying the part. We investigated the viability of using Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy as a low-cost and non-destructive method to determine the extent of surface cracking and void formation in a damaged part. We performed the tests by using a Vibrant PCRT machine to determine the resonant properties of a sample before running an interrupted creep test or a sustained-peak low-cycle fatigue test. After damage was induced, the part was scanned again and the changes in resonant properties were recorded. Initial testing yielded promising results; material samples displayed a noticeable change in resonant properties before and after damage was induced. Further, we will discuss the potential reasons why an observed variation in resonant properties was measured based on microstructural observations and the basic physics behind resonance.