Microstructure development and superplasticity in Inconel 718 sheet

Inconel 718 is a nickel based alloy used extensively in the aerospace industry, having good service capabilities, in terms of strength and fatigue resistance, at high temperatures. Inconel 718, in the form of sheet, has the capability of being shaped using gas pressure forming techniques similar to those used for a number of aluminium and titanium based alloys. An extensive research programme has been carried out to investigate the high temperature formability of this alloy. This has involved both uniaxial tensile testing to determine such parameters as flow stress and strain rate sensitivity, and microstructural examination to investigate grain stability under both static heating and following deformation. The forming characteristics of the material have been correlated with the δ phase solvus temperature determined using SEM techniques. Optimum forming temperatures and strain rates are discussed.