Lattice distortion in γ′ precipitates of single crystal superalloy SC16 under creep deformation

Specimens of single crystal superalloy SC16 were creep deformed at 1223 K along [0 0 1] up to ±0.5% creep strain using stresses of −150 MPa and +150 MPa, respectively. Line widths and peak positions of superlattice reflections were measured by means of X-ray diffraction parallel and perpendicular to the load axis in the temperature range between 293 K and 1173 K. The line widths were found to decrease with the increase of temperature for both directions on the two specimens after tensile and compressive creep deformation. After both kinds of creep deformation the crystal lattice showed tetragonal distortion which decreased with increasing temperature. The tetragonality after tensile creep deformation was larger than unity while it was smaller than unity after compressive creep deformation. The peak positions and widths restored after cooling back to room temperature. The experimental results can qualitatively be explained by the creation of dislocations during deformation and their anisotropic arrangement at the γ/γ′ interfaces.