Investigation on Microstructure Evolution of Aero-engine Blades under Combined Forming Process with Flat Cross Wedge Rolling and Die Forging

doi:10.3901/JME.260176

Abstract

Abstract: Compressor stator blades of TC11 titanium alloy and GH4169 superalloy with double mounting plate structure were fabricated using the short-process forming technology combining cross wedge rolling (CWR) with die forging (DF). Preforms with favorable microstructure and no internal defects were obtained by optimizing the CWR process. Subsequently, DF was carried out, and the microstructural evolution of the two types of blades was analyzed. The results show that internal defects in titanium alloy (initial microstructures with equiaxed, duplex, and Widmanstatten) rolled workpieces formed at the interface between α phase and β phase. By improving the rolling temperature, the transformation of α phase to β phase can be promoted, thus help to eliminate internal defects effectively. Among them, the critical temperature required for initial equiaxed rolled workpieces to reach a defect-free state is the lowest. Nucleation of internal defects in superalloy (hot-rolled state, with a substantial amount of δ phase pre-precipitated within the grain, a minimal amount and a significant quantity of δ phase pre-precipitated at the grain boundary) rolled workpieces are primarily concentrated at the carbides. Although proper pre-precipitated δ phase can reduce damage degree in matrix by promoting dynamic recrystallization and pinning effect, coarse needle shaped δ phase precipitation at grain boundary may also accelerate defect propagation. Among them, the pre precipitation of a minimal amount of δ phase at grain boundary results in the lowest damage degree. No internal defects were observed in either type of blade. The titanium alloy blade exhibited a uniform bi-phase distribution with a regular morphology of α phase. The superalloy blade demonstrated uniform grain size in the body section and mixed grains in other regions, with the grain size grade difference meeting standard requirements. These findings validate the reliability of new process and provide a theoretical basis at the microscopic level for its further development and application.

Key words: aero-engine blade, double mounting plate, flat cross wedge rolling, microstructure, TC11 titanium alloy, GH4169 superalloy

CLC Number:

TG316
TG335

LIU Jiaxu, WANG Dacheng, SHI Mingjie, CHEN Shuaifeng, ZHANG Shihong, CHENG Ming. Investigation on Microstructure Evolution of Aero-engine Blades under Combined Forming Process with Flat Cross Wedge Rolling and Die Forging[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 62(6): 87-99.

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URL: http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/10.3901/JME.260176

http://www.cjmenet.com.cn/EN/Y2025/V62/I6/87

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