Crystal plasticity analysis for bi-crystal Ni-base superalloy by adopting compact specimens with different crystal orientations

Crack initiation in a bi-crystal Ni-base superalloy was investigated and validated through simulation and tests. Crystal plasticity theory had already been used forsingle-crystal Ni-base alloy but never a bi-crystal component was analyzed. Firstly, a tailored specimen was produced by calibrating the shape, dimensions, and appliedforce. Several different geometries have been tested. Good simulation settings and mesh convergence have been carried out in order to correctly set the simulation forboth crack initiation and crack propagation. Secondly, the effect of crystal orientation on crack initiation has been explored. A different crystal orientation modifies themagnitude and location of the planes’ activation, and a different crystal configuration activates different slip planes.