Mechanical Characterization of Single Crystal Bars with Capacitor Discharge Welding and Laser Cladding

In the present work the static behavior of Single Crystal Nickel-base superalloy CMSX-4 has been analyzed, performing mechanical and microstructural characterization, necessary to establish in detail the superalloy behaviour at the expected service stresses. Tests have been performed both at room and working temperature, comparing base material properties with CD welded and Laser Clad cylindrical bars. The microstructure has been successively analyzed with optic microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations. The micrographic study concerned base material and as-welded specimens; this way the microstructural modifications and the Heat Affected Zones have been studied as well as the interaction between the weld material layers and parent metal. The mechanical and microstructural characterization for “as welded” and clad material is needed because of the requirements to develop advanced technologies for the repair of damaged blades, particularly in the case of blisks, constituted of blading and rotor in one piece.