CMSX-4
About CMSX-4
Name and Equivalent Name: CMSX-4 is a single crystal superalloy referenced under AMS 5947, ISO 9001, and NACE MR0175 standards. It is a premium material for aerospace and energy applications where high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance are critical. While no official UNS or DIN equivalent exists, it is widely recognized for use in turbine blades and other high-performance components.
CMSX-4 Basic Introduction
CMSX-4 is a nickel-based superalloy designed for high-temperature environments, providing superior mechanical performance and durability. Its single-crystal structure eliminates grain boundaries, ensuring excellent creep resistance and fatigue strength even at temperatures exceeding 1150°C.
The alloy is commonly used in turbine blades, vanes, and other critical components in jet engines and power generation turbines. It combines high tensile strength, excellent thermal fatigue, and oxidation resistance, delivering outstanding performance over extended service periods. CMSX-4 is known for maintaining mechanical integrity, making it a top choice for industries requiring high-reliability components.
Alternative Superalloys of CMSX-4
CMSX-3 and CMSX-10 are close alternatives to CMSX-4, each offering different strengths. CMSX-3 provides excellent thermal stability and fatigue resistance, but CMSX-4 surpasses it with improved creep performance at higher temperatures.
CMSX-10, on the other hand, offers better oxidation resistance and is preferred for next-generation turbine applications. Other alternatives include Rene N6 and IN738, suitable when slightly lower performance is acceptable or when directional solidification casting is preferred over single-crystal casting.
CMSX-4 Design Intention
CMSX-4 was designed to meet the increasing demands of high-temperature applications in the aerospace and energy sectors. It ensures exceptional creep strength and oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 1150°C, making it ideal for turbine blades and other rotating components.
The alloy’s single-crystal structure eliminates grain boundaries, reducing the chances of creep deformation and enhancing fatigue resistance. Adding rhenium and tungsten improves thermal stability, while chromium provides oxidation resistance, ensuring CMSX-4 maintains performance under extreme conditions.
CMSX-4 Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of CMSX-4 plays a crucial role in its mechanical properties. Nickel forms the primary matrix, while chromium ensures oxidation resistance. Rhenium and tungsten enhance creep resistance, and tantalum contributes to high-temperature stability.
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Nickel (Ni) | Balance |
Chromium (Cr) | 6.5 |
Cobalt (Co) | 9 |
Tungsten (W) | 6 |
Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.6 |
Aluminum (Al) | 5.6 |
Titanium (Ti) | 1 |
Tantalum (Ta) | 6.5 |
Rhenium (Re) | 3 |
Hafnium (Hf) | 0.1 |
CMSX-4 Physical Properties
CMSX-4 exhibits superior mechanical performance at elevated temperatures. Its high melting point and modulus of elasticity ensure structural stability in critical applications, while its thermal conductivity aids in heat management.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density (g/cm³) | 8.75 |
Melting Point (°C) | 1340 |
Thermal Conductivity (W/(m·K)) | 10.8 |
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | 220 |
Metallographic Structure of CMSX-4 Superalloy
CMSX-4 features a single-crystal structure without grain boundaries, significantly enhancing its mechanical strength and creep resistance. The absence of grain boundaries minimizes deformation under stress, ensuring superior performance at high temperatures.
The microstructure contains gamma-prime (γ') precipitates dispersed within the nickel matrix, strengthened by elements like rhenium and tantalum. These precipitates block dislocation movement, enhancing the alloy’s creep resistance and fatigue strength, making CMSX-4 ideal for rotating components in jet engines and gas turbines.
CMSX-4 Mechanical Properties
CMSX-4 provides exceptional mechanical strength and stability, with high tensile and yield strength even at elevated temperatures. Its creep rupture life exceeds 25,000 hours at 1100°C, ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength (MPa) | 1240 |
Yield Strength (MPa) | 1035 |
Creep Strength | Outstanding at 1150°C |
Fatigue Strength (MPa) | 700 at 1000°C |
Hardness (HRC) | 40 – 45 |
Elongation (%) | 10 – 12 |
Creep Rupture Life | > 25,000 hours at 1100°C, ~200 MPa |
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) | ~230 |
Key Features of CMSX-4 Superalloy
Outstanding Creep Resistance CMSX-4 offers excellent creep strength at temperatures up to 1150°C, making it ideal for turbine blades and other components exposed to continuous stress and high heat.
High Oxidation Resistance The alloy’s chromium content provides exceptional oxidation resistance, ensuring durability in harsh environments where high-temperature corrosion is a concern.
Exceptional Thermal Fatigue Resistance CMSX-4 performs reliably under thermal cycling, withstanding repeated heating and cooling without loss of mechanical integrity, making it perfect for rotating engine components.
Long Creep Rupture Life With a creep rupture life of over 25,000 hours at 1100°C, CMSX-4 significantly reduces maintenance intervals and ensures operational efficiency in aerospace and power generation.
High Mechanical Strength CMSX-4 delivers superior tensile and yield strength, maintaining structural stability and resistance to deformation under extreme mechanical and thermal loads.
CMSX-4 Superalloy’s Machinability
CMSX-4 is compatible with Vacuum Investment Casting because its composition allows for precise, defect-free castings essential for aerospace components.
Single Crystal Casting is the optimal process for CMSX-4, as the alloy’s design eliminates grain boundaries, enhancing creep resistance and fatigue performance.
CMSX-4 is not suitable for Equiaxed Crystal casting, as the equiaxed grain structure would compromise the alloy’s single-crystal advantages.
Superalloy Directional Casting is unnecessary for CMSX-4, as it relies on a fully single-crystal microstructure, eliminating the need for directional solidification.
CMSX-4 is suitable for Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc production, as single-crystal or advanced superalloy formulations provide exceptional creep and fatigue resistance.
Superalloy Precision Forging is impractical for CMSX-4 due to its hardness and inability to deform easily without microstructural damage.
CMSX-4 is not recommended for Superalloy 3D Printing because additive processes can introduce grain boundaries and defects, negating the alloy’s performance benefits.
CNC Machining is feasible with CMSX-4, but it requires advanced tooling and strategies to manage tool wear and ensure precision due to its high hardness.
Superalloy Welding of CMSX-4 is challenging but possible for localized repairs. Careful thermal control is necessary to prevent cracking.
CMSX-4 is compatible with Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), which eliminates internal voids and enhances mechanical properties, ensuring optimal performance for demanding applications.
CMSX-4 Superalloy Applications
In the Aerospace and Aviation sector, CMSX-4 is used in turbine blades, vanes, and engine components to ensure high-performance operations at extreme temperatures.
For Power Generation, CMSX-4 is essential in gas turbines, providing long-term durability and efficiency under thermal and mechanical stress.
In the Oil and Gas industries, CMSX-4 supports high-temperature turbine applications, offering corrosion resistance and operational reliability in harsh conditions.
The Energy industry utilizes CMSX-4 in gas turbines and power systems, ensuring consistent performance over long operational cycles.
For the Marine industry, CMSX-4 is used in propulsion systems and exhaust components that demand resistance to heat and corrosion.
In Mining, CMSX-4 provides wear resistance and durability for impellers and high-stress machinery components in abrasive environments.
The Automotive industry applies CMSX-4 in high-performance turbochargers to withstand thermal stress and enhance engine efficiency.
In Chemical Processing, CMSX-4 is used in reactors and valves exposed to aggressive chemicals and elevated temperatures.
CMSX-4 ensures reliability in heat-treatment equipment and sterilization systems for the pharmaceutical and food industries, maintaining hygienic standards under thermal stress.
In Military and Defense, CMSX-4 components enhance jet engines and missile systems, offering mechanical strength and heat resistance in critical applications.
CMSX-4 is employed in reactor components in the nuclear sector, ensuring structural integrity and operational safety under high radiation and temperature conditions.
When to Choose CMSX-4 Superalloy
Choose custom superalloy parts made from CMSX-4 for applications that require exceptional performance under extreme temperatures and continuous mechanical stress. CMSX-4 is the optimal choice for turbine blades in aerospace and power generation, where high creep resistance, fatigue strength, and oxidation resistance are essential. This alloy excels in environments exposed to thermal cycling, such as jet engines, gas turbines, and marine propulsion systems, ensuring long service life and reduced maintenance. Use CMSX-4 when operational reliability and efficiency are paramount, especially in industries like oil and gas, military defense, and energy production, where components need to maintain mechanical integrity over extended periods under harsh conditions.
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