Mr Kieran Robinson

Polycrystalline nickel superalloys used in turbine disks for gas turbine engines are subjected to high stresses and extreme temperatures during operation. Therefore, controlling mechanical properties through the microstructure is key to achieving a safe, high-performance component. This control is attained by tuning the temperature, strain and strain rate during the forging of these disks. My project focuses on understanding how and why altering these parameters leads to a different microstructure, as well as the mechanisms underlying the various types of recrystallisation observed. Techniques used: metallographic preparation (precision cutting, mounting, grinding, and polishing), thermodynamic modelling (Thermo-Calc), finite element analysis, scanning electron microscopy (BSE, EDX, and EBSD), X-ray diffraction (synchrotron), and mechanical testing (including Electro-Thermal Mechanical Testing, ETMT, and Digital Image Correlation, DIC).