The Effect of Multi-inclined Holes on the Creep Properties of Nickel-Based Superalloy

The creep properties of GH3536 nickel-based superalloy plate specimens without/with multi-inclined holes were studied under applied stress 80/90/100 MPa at 850., respectively. Interesting finding is focused on the inflection point, that is, both the fraction elongation and creep strain achieve the maximum value under 90 MPa. Further study is carried out by two methods: the finite element analysis (FEA) calculation and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The FEA results show that the dangerous areas appear in the regions near the end of ellipse axis along the inclined angle orientation, which is similar to the actual fracture appearances. What is more, the tiny holes and dimples are the main characters of creep fracture for multi-inclined hole specimens, whereas the creep fracture of specimens without holes is the result of growth and coalescence of voids. In addition, based on creep performance, laser drilling is better than that of the electric spark drilling, which provides a proof that the creep performance of specimens with multi-inclined holes will be better with the improvement of the drilling process.