Effects of Aging Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Rene 41 Alloy and the Strengthening Mechanisms

Aging treatment plays a significant role in altering the mechanical properties of superalloys; however, the influences of aging on the mechanical performance of Rene 41 alloy and its strengthening mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of aging on the microstructure and mechanical properties of forged Rene 41 alloy were systematically investigated through experimental and theoretical analyses. It was found that aging conditions have significant influences on the grain structure, gamma ' characteristics, and tensile properties of the alloy. The size of secondary gamma ' increased from 20 nm to 69 nm with elevated aging temperature and prolonged aging time, while their volume fraction initially increased and then decreased. Notably, the gamma ' maintained a coherent interface with the matrix even after high-temperature aging at 860 degrees C. An optimal strength-ductility balance was achieved by aging at 760 degrees C for 16 h. An experimentally verified strengthening model was used for understanding the strengthening mechanisms of the alloy aging at varying conditions. Precipitation strengthening was identified as the dominant strengthening mechanism, substantially contributing to the overall yield strength. The precipitation strengthening mainly belongs to the strong pair-coupling cutting mechanism rather than the Orowan bypass mechanism. This study concludes that a rational aging treatment regime can significantly optimize the comprehensive properties of Rene 41 alloy, providing theoretical support for its application in aerospace component manufacturing.