TMS-138
About TMS-138 Superalloy
Name and Equivalent Name
TMS-138 is a fourth-generation nickel-based single-crystal superalloy. It does not have direct equivalents in international standards but shares similarities with alloys like René N6 and CMSX-10. Designed for high-stress, high-temperature applications, TMS-138 offers enhanced thermal stability and fatigue resistance, suitable for jet engines and power turbines.
TMS-138 Basic Introduction
TMS-138 was developed to meet the demands of next-generation aerospace and power systems. Its single-crystal structure eliminates grain boundaries, providing exceptional creep resistance and mechanical strength. This alloy is well-suited for components exposed to cyclic thermal loads, such as turbine blades and vanes, ensuring high performance under extreme operating conditions.
Its balanced composition ensures oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength above 1100°C. TMS-138’s ability to maintain its structural integrity over extended service periods makes it ideal for critical aerospace and energy applications where reliability is crucial.
Alternative Superalloys of TMS-138
Other high-performance single-crystal alloys, such as CMSX-10 and René N6, offer similar creep and fatigue resistance but may not match the advanced thermal stability of TMS-138. Second-generation alloys like CMSX-4 or PWA 1484 could be viable alternatives in less demanding applications. However, TMS-138’s superior high-temperature performance makes it the preferred choice for next-generation aerospace engines and gas turbines.
TMS-138 Design Intention
TMS-138 was designed to overcome the limitations of earlier generations of superalloys by enhancing creep strength, fatigue resistance, and thermal stability. Its single-crystal structure allows it to perform well under high mechanical stress while adding rhenium and tantalum strengthens the alloy matrix. This alloy targets applications where components must withstand extreme temperatures and high-frequency thermal cycling without compromising performance or longevity.
TMS-138 Chemical Composition
The elements in TMS-138 enhance its mechanical and thermal properties. Cobalt improves thermal stability, rhenium enhances creep resistance, and tantalum provides strength at high temperatures.
Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
Nickel (Ni) | Balance |
Chromium (Cr) | 4.2% |
Cobalt (Co) | 7% |
Tungsten (W) | 9% |
Aluminum (Al) | 5.8% |
Tantalum (Ta) | 8% |
Rhenium (Re) | 6% |
TMS-138 Physical Properties
TMS-138 offers exceptional mechanical and thermal stability, enabling it to operate in extreme environments.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density | 8.65 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 1360°C |
Thermal Conductivity | 10.8 W/(m·K) |
Modulus of Elasticity | 216 GPa |
Tensile Strength | 1120 MPa |
Metallographic Structure of TMS-138 Superalloy
The microstructure of TMS-138 is optimized for high-performance applications. It consists of a gamma (γ) matrix reinforced by gamma-prime (γ') precipitates. These precipitates strengthen the alloy by inhibiting dislocation movement, enhancing its resistance to creep and fatigue at high temperatures.
The uniform distribution of γ' precipitates, primarily composed of nickel, aluminum, and tantalum, ensures structural stability even under cyclic thermal stress. This microstructure allows TMS-138 to maintain its performance over extended service periods, making it ideal for critical aerospace and energy components.
TMS-138 Mechanical Properties
TMS-138 offers superior mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, excellent fatigue resistance, and long-term stability.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength | ~1200 MPa |
Yield Strength | ~1050 MPa |
Creep Strength | Excellent at 1100°C |
Fatigue Strength | ~650 MPa |
Hardness (HRC) | 40-45 |
Elongation | ~10% |
Modulus of Elasticity | ~230 GPa |
Key Features of TMS-138 Superalloy
Outstanding Creep Resistance TMS-138 offers excellent creep resistance, maintaining mechanical integrity under prolonged exposure to high temperatures, making it ideal for turbine blades and vanes.
High Thermal Fatigue Resistance The alloy performs exceptionally well under cyclic thermal loads, ensuring durability in high-performance applications like jet engines and gas turbines.
Single-Crystal Structure With no grain boundaries, TMS-138 enhances fatigue life and reduces creep deformation, offering superior performance under mechanical stress.
Long Service Life TMS-138 is designed for long-term use, reducing maintenance costs and downtime, particularly in aerospace and power generation systems.
Thermal Stability The alloy’s composition, including cobalt and rhenium, ensures excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for extreme operating conditions beyond 1100°C.
TMS-138 Superalloy’s Machinability
TMS-138 is compatible with Vacuum Investment Casting, as this process provides the precision needed for high-performance aerospace components while maintaining the alloy’s structural integrity.
Single Crystal Casting is the primary method for TMS-138, ensuring optimal creep resistance and mechanical performance by eliminating grain boundaries.
TMS-138 is not recommended for Equiaxed Crystal casting, as this method cannot match a single-crystal structure's high thermal stability and fatigue resistance.
Although Superalloy Directional Casting is viable, TMS-138’s mechanical benefits are best realized through single-crystal casting.
Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc is not suitable for TMS-138 due to the need for single-crystal integrity, which powder metallurgy cannot achieve.
Superalloy Precision Forging is not ideal for TMS-138, as deformation can compromise the single-crystal structure.
TMS-138 is unsuitable for Superalloy 3D Printing, as current additive manufacturing techniques cannot replicate the single-crystal formation required for optimal performance.
CNC Machining is feasible for TMS-138, and it has specialized tooling capable of handling the alloy's hardness and maintaining tight tolerances.
Superalloy Welding poses challenges due to the potential for defects in the single-crystal structure, which can reduce mechanical performance.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) enhances TMS-138’s performance, eliminates internal voids, and improves mechanical properties.
TMS-138 Superalloy Applications
In Aerospace and Aviation, TMS-138 is used in turbine blades and jet engines, where superior thermal resistance and creep strength are essential.
In Power Generation, TMS-138 supports gas turbines, ensuring efficient operation under extreme temperatures and mechanical stress.
In Oil and Gas applications, TMS-138 is employed in turbines and high-temperature components that endure corrosive environments.
The Energy sector benefits from TMS-138 in advanced power systems, providing reliability and thermal stability in demanding conditions.
In Marine applications, TMS-138 enhances propulsion systems by withstanding harsh, corrosive marine environments.
In Mining, TMS-138 is used in critical equipment exposed to abrasive conditions and elevated temperatures.
In Automotive, TMS-138 is found in high-performance engines, particularly in motorsports, where thermal stability is crucial.
Chemical Processing industries use TMS-138 in reactors and heat exchangers, where corrosion resistance and thermal endurance are needed.
In the Pharmaceutical and Food industries, TMS-138 ensures durability and corrosion resistance for sterilization equipment.
In Military and Defense, TMS-138 is used in propulsion systems, ensuring performance in extreme environments.
In Nuclear applications, TMS-138 provides reliable performance in reactors where long-term thermal stability is essential.
When to Choose TMS-138 Superalloy
TMS-138 should be selected for custom superalloy parts requiring exceptional creep resistance, fatigue strength, and thermal stability. It is ideal for aerospace and power generation components operating at high temperatures, such as turbine blades and jet engine parts, where performance and reliability are paramount. The alloy’s resistance to thermal fatigue and its ability to maintain mechanical integrity under cyclic loads make it essential for long-lasting, high-performance applications.
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