Microstructural analyses of transient thermomechanically loaded hot-gas components for preparing statistical forecasts (predictive maintenance)
The growing use of regenerative and fluctuating sources of electricity can put pressure on the stability of electricity grids. Gas turbines can handle the situation because of their excellent quick-start capability. The focus of this research project is a precise assessment of the reliability and service life of the nickel-based superalloy René80, commonly used in components of gas turbines. The research will take into account load spectra from cold and warm starts as well as part-load operating modes and the resulting transient thermomechanical stress. These elements comprise the conditions for statistical forecasts of failure times. With the help of realistic low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests, microstructural investigations, and finite element analyses, the aim is to develop damage parameters that reliably record the material’s reactions to complex load profiles and enable a viable service life assessment for this alloy.
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