| Abstract Scope |
Superalloys are commonly used in structural components of aero engines. Superalloys in general, Ni- and Ni-Fe-based superalloys, belong to an important group of materials used in aerospace applications. Fabrication and associated weldability aspects of structural components for the hot section of aero-engine gas turbines continue to be of high importance to the manufacturing industry within this discipline. Cracking and specifically hot cracking as well as strain age cracking is a serious concern during the welding and additive manufacturing (AM) of these structural components. The cracking phenomena can occur during welding, AM or subsequent heat treatment of precipitation-hardening superalloys. The cracking behaviour can be influenced by several factors i.e., chemical composition in terms of hardening elements and impurities, the microstructure of base material, and weld zone, together with corresponding welding, AM and post-treatment process parameters. This paper offers a review of Ni- and Ni-Fe-based superalloys concerning fabrication and weldability aspects within the context of structural components of aeroengines. |