Nimonic PE11
About Nimonic PE11 Superalloy
Name and Equivalent Name
Nimonic PE11, also called Nickel-Chromium Alloy PE11, corresponds to UNS N07011. It aligns with DIN/EN 2.4651 and AMS 5877 standards. The alloy’s chemical composition and thermal performance suit applications requiring high fatigue strength and thermal stability.
Nimonic PE11 Basic Introduction
Nimonic PE11 is a nickel-chromium-based superalloy known for its high fatigue resistance, thermal stability, and excellent mechanical strength at elevated temperatures. With a nominal % cobalt content of 30%, the alloy offers enhanced high-temperature oxidation resistance, ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments such as turbines and gas engines.
The alloy is extensively used in the aerospace, power generation, and energy industries, where components are subjected to thermal cycles and mechanical stress. Its ability to withstand temperatures between 815°C and 950°C makes it ideal for applications that demand consistent performance under cyclic loads and extreme conditions.
Alternative Superalloys of Nimonic PE11
Nimonic 80A and Inconel 718 are suitable alternatives to Nimonic PE11 when creep resistance and thermal fatigue performance are required. Waspaloy and Rene 41 are viable options for applications demanding higher thermal stability.
Nimonic 75 offers good oxidation resistance and fatigue strength in applications requiring lower cost without compromising performance. However, Nimonic PE11 is preferred when high cyclic performance and superior mechanical properties are prioritized.
Nimonic PE11 Design Intention
Nimonic PE11 was designed to perform reliably in high-temperature and high-stress conditions. The alloy's nominal % cobalt content of 30% provides excellent oxidation resistance while adding molybdenum enhances creep strength. Aluminum aids in precipitation hardening, which boosts fatigue resistance during thermal cycling.
Its primary use is in turbines, compressors, and gas engines, offering strong mechanical stability even after extended exposure to high temperatures. The alloy's design balances cost efficiency and high performance, making it a preferred material in the aerospace and energy sectors.
Nimonic PE11 Chemical Composition
The composition of Nimonic PE11 balances nickel, chromium, cobalt, and molybdenum for enhanced performance at elevated temperatures.
Element | Composition (%) |
|---|---|
Nickel (Ni) | 38.0 – 43.0 |
Chromium (Cr) | 19.0 – 21.0 |
Titanium (Ti) | 2.5 – 3.1 |
Cobalt (Co) | Nominal 30.0 |
Molybdenum (Mo) | Nominal 4.0 |
Aluminum (Al) | 0.9 – 1.3 |
Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Nimonic PE11 Physical Properties
The physical properties of Nimonic PE11 make it highly effective in thermal and mechanical environments.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Density | 8.25 g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 1350°C |
Thermal Conductivity | 12 W/(m·K) |
Modulus of Elasticity | 208 GPa |
Metallographic Structure of Nimonic PE11 Superalloy
Nimonic PE11 exhibits a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, contributing to its high creep strength and excellent fatigue resistance. The presence of titanium and aluminum forms gamma prime (γ') phases, which enhance its mechanical stability under prolonged high-temperature exposure.
The alloy’s microstructure remains stable during thermal cycling, minimizing grain boundary migration and preventing component degradation. These properties make it suitable for use in turbines, compressors, and high-performance engines where reliability is paramount.
Nimonic PE11 Mechanical Properties
Nimonic PE11 provides excellent mechanical performance across a wide temperature range, making it ideal for high-stress environments.
Property | Value |
|---|---|
Tensile Strength | 1200 – 1250 MPa |
Yield Strength | 960 – 1000 MPa |
Hardness | Rockwell C35 – 40 |
Elongation | ~20% |
Elastic Modulus | ~210 GPa |
Creep Strength | High at 815 – 950°C |
Fatigue Strength | Strong for thermal cycles |
Creep Rupture Life | Long-term at high temperatures |
Key Features of Nimonic PE11 Superalloy
High-Temperature Performance Nimonic PE11 offers exceptional strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for components subjected to extreme heat and mechanical stress in aerospace engines and turbines.
Excellent Fatigue Resistance The alloy performs well under thermal cycling conditions, ensuring long-lasting durability in high-stress environments, such as turbine discs and compressor blades.
Strong Oxidation and Creep Resistance With 30% cobalt content, Nimonic PE11 exhibits superior oxidation resistance, while molybdenum enhances its creep resistance, making it suitable for continuous high-temperature exposure.
Stable Microstructure under Thermal Cycles The formation of gamma prime phases strengthens the alloy, preventing grain boundary movement and ensuring mechanical stability throughout its lifespan.
Versatility in Aerospace and Energy Applications Nimonic PE11 is extensively used in turbines, compressors, and gas engines, demonstrating consistent performance under thermal and mechanical loads.
Nimonic PE11 Superalloy’s Machinability
Nimonic PE11 is not commonly used in Vacuum Investment Casting due to its complex alloying elements, which can result in casting defects. However, the process can be adapted with specialized techniques. Learn more about the process here: Vacuum Investment Casting.
The Single Crystal Casting process is not ideal for Nimonic PE11, as the alloy’s composition favors equiaxed structures for enhanced creep resistance rather than single crystal formation. Read more about it here: Single Crystal Casting.
Nimonic PE11 performs well in Equiaxed Crystal casting due to its high thermal stability and fatigue resistance. This method ensures optimal grain structure for high-temperature applications: Equiaxed Crystal casting.
It is suitable for Directional Casting, where controlled solidification provides enhanced creep and fatigue properties, making it ideal for turbine blades: Superalloy Directional Casting.
For Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc applications, Nimonic PE11 is less preferred due to its high cobalt content, which complicates powder processing. Explore this process: Powder Metallurgy Turbine Disc.
Nimonic PE11 can be used in Precision Forging, ensuring high creep and fatigue resistance with refined grain structures. Discover more: Superalloy Precision Forging.
The alloy is unsuitable for 3D printing due to its complex chemistry, which can lead to microstructural issues. Learn more here: Superalloy 3D Printing.
Nimonic PE11 can undergo CNC Machining with precision but requires specialized tooling due to its hardness and high strength. Read about CNC machining: CNC Machining.
This alloy is suitable for welding, particularly for repair applications, provided that post-weld heat treatments are applied to prevent cracking: Superalloy Welding.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) is applicable for Nimonic PE11 to remove porosity and enhance mechanical properties, making it ideal for demanding applications: Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP).
Nimonic PE11 Superalloy Applications
Aerospace and Aviation
Nimonic PE11 is used in turbines and jet engines due to its excellent thermal stability and fatigue resistance under extreme conditions: Aerospace and Aviation.
Power Generation
In the power sector, the alloy is applied in gas turbines and heat-resistant components where high-temperature performance is crucial: Power Generation.
Oil and Gas
Nimonic PE11 is used in downhole tools and components exposed to harsh, high-temperature environments: Oil and Gas.
Energy
The alloy ensures long-lasting performance in energy applications, including power plants and energy conversion systems: Energy.
Marine
Nimonic PE11 supports marine turbines and engine components, offering superior corrosion resistance in seawater environments: Marine.
Mining
Its fatigue resistance makes it a good choice for mining tools and machinery exposed to continuous stress: Mining.
Automotive
Nimonic PE11 is applied in high-performance engines and exhaust systems where resistance to heat and wear is critical: Automotive.
Chemical Processing
In chemical plants, the alloy offers corrosion resistance in equipment exposed to harsh chemicals and high temperatures: Chemical Processing.
Pharmaceutical and Food
It ensures clean, corrosion-resistant performance in manufacturing equipment used for food and pharmaceutical production: Pharmaceutical and Food.
Military and Defense
Nimonic PE11 is deployed in advanced military applications for high-stress components like jet engines and missile systems: Military and Defense.
Nuclear
The alloy is found in nuclear reactors where long-term performance under high temperatures is essential: nuclear.
When to Choose Nimonic PE11 Superalloy
Nimonic PE11 should be chosen for applications that require high thermal stability, fatigue resistance, and long-term performance under extreme conditions. Its excellent creep resistance makes it suitable for turbines, compressors, and jet engines.
For custom superalloy parts, Nimonic PE11 ensures precision and performance. The alloy can be utilized in applications where components must withstand high temperatures and repeated mechanical loads without degradation: Custom superalloy parts.
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