Simulation of crack growth under low cycle fatigue at high temperature in a single crystal superalloy

Crack growth tests have been performed at 950 °C with Single Edge Notch specimens of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy PWA1483. In particular, several orientations and frequencies have been investigated, thus allowing the assessment of the influence of these parameters on the crack growth rate. In addition, oxidation experiments have been carried out to characterize the kinetics of the outer oxide scale growth at the same temperature.On the other side, crack growth has been simulated with the Finite Element program ABAQUS in real test conditions by the node release technique. The nodes are released according to the measured crack growth rate.The simulation results are compared with the test results on the basis of the computed Crack Tip Opening Displacement (CTOD). For this purpose, the crack is propagated until a stabilized value of the CTOD is obtained. This is usually the case when the crack has crossed the initial plastic zone. The procedure provides an evaluation of the effects of cycle frequency, crystal orientation, plasticity and oxide induced crack closure.