Experimental study of Ni-based single-crystal superalloy: Microstructure evolution and work hardening of ground subsurface

In the present study, the grinding experiment of second-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy DD5 was carried out under different grinding parameters. The grinding force was recorded during the grinding process, and it was found that it decreased with increasing grinding speed and increased with feed speed. The microstructure evolution of ground subsurface was obtained by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the elemental distribution of γ/γ' phases was investigated by energy dispersion spectrum (EDS). The results show that there are two layers different from the bulk material beneath the ground surface: (i) a white layer (WL) with no obvious structural features under limited observation scale and (ii) a severe deformed layer (SDL) with the elongated and rotated γ' phase and the narrowed γ channel. Elements segregation behavior exists in both the white layer and severe deformed layer. The grinding parameters have a great influence on the thickness of the white layer, which is due to the elemental diffusion behavior caused by intensive thermo-mechanical load. There is work hardening in the white layer, and the hardening degree aggravates with the increase in cutting speed and feed speed.