Formation of multimodal size distributions of γ′ in a nickel-base superalloy during interrupted continuous cooling

This paper reports an investigation, both experimental and via computer simulation, of a nickel-based superalloy in order to study how different single cooling profiles affect microstructural development of γ′ during linear cooling and subsequent quenching at different interrupt-temperatures. The air-quench rates used in this study only demonstrate the concept of affecting microstructures via single-stage cooling with two cooling-rate regimes and are not likely to prove viable thermal processes for current commercial heat treatments.