Influence of Hot Deformation Methods on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of GH4169 Alloy Forgings

HENG Yabo; DENG Hao; ZHOU Wenwu; JIANG Xilai; FU Qiang; LIU Shuai; LI Ke; XIE Jing

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.07.016

PDF(8035 KB)

Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 18 ›› Issue (7) : 175-183. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.07.016

Superalloy Forming

Influence of Hot Deformation Methods on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of GH4169 Alloy Forgings

HENG Yabo^*, DENG Hao, ZHOU Wenwu, JIANG Xilai, FU Qiang, LIU Shuai, LI Ke, XIE Jing

Author information +

History +

Abstract

The work aims to optimize the hot deformation process route and experimental parameters to obtain GH4169 alloy large die forgings with uniform microstructure and excellent properties. Firstly, Deform simulation software was used to analyze the strain and temperature field distributions of forgings under different billet morphologies and deformation parameters. Then, the microstructure and mechanical properties of different formed forgings were analyzed in combination with field experiments. The results indicated that the distribution of strain and temperature fields in large-scale die forgings was related to the morphology of the billet. A reasonable billet morphology could enhance the uniformity of the strain and temperature fields in the forgings, thereby improving the microstructural morphology of the forgings. In the small deformation zone and the transition zone, the strain difference could reach up to 1, leading to incomplete recrystallization in certain parts of the forging, resulting in a “necklace” structure and mixed grain structure inside the forging. The difference in tensile strength between the fully dynamic recrystallization zone and the small deformation zone exceeded 63 MPa, the difference in yield strength exceeded 112 MPa, and the difference in elongation exceeded 6.3%, showing excellent mechanical properties. In the deformation dead zone and the transition zone, due to uneven tissue distribution, the mechanical properties were poorer compared with the high strain zone. In conclusion, the “necklace structure” formed in the small deformation zone significantly reduces the mechanical properties of the forgings. However, in the fully dynamic recrystallization zone, the microstructure is uniform and fine, exhibiting good comprehensive mechanical properties.

Key words

GH4169 alloy / billet morphology / finite element simulation / microstructure / mechanical property

Cite this article

EndNote

Ris (Procite)

Bibtex

Download Citations

HENG Yabo, DENG Hao, ZHOU Wenwu, JIANG Xilai, FU Qiang, LIU Shuai, LI Ke, XIE Jing. Influence of Hot Deformation Methods on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of GH4169 Alloy Forgings[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering. 2026, 18(7): 175-183 https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-6457.2026.07.016

References

[1] LOGUNOV A V, ZAVODOV S A, DANILOV D V.The Challenges in Development of Nickel-Based Heat-Resistant Superalloys for Gas Turbine Disks and Creation of a New Superalloy with Increased Operational Characteristics[J]. Materials Today: Proceedings, 2019, 11: 459-464.
[2] LI F L, FU R, YIN F J, et al.Impact of γ’(Ni₃(Al, Ti)) Phase on Dynamic Recrystallization of a Ni-Based Disk Superalloy during Isothermal Compression[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2017, 693: 1076-1082.
[3] GU Y F, FUKUDA T, CUI C, et al.Comparison of Mechanical Properties of TMW Alloys, New Generation of Cast-and-Wrought Superalloys for Disk Applications[J]. Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 2009, 40(13): 3047-3050.
[4] 罗恒军, 谢静, 廖佳, 等. GH4169G合金高强涡轮盘锻件的试制[J]. 大型铸锻件, 2013(3): 47-48.
LUO H J, XIE J, LIAO J, et al.Trial Manufacturing of High Strength GH4169G Alloy Turbine Disc Forging[J]. Heavy Castings and Forgings, 2013(3): 47-48.
[5] 宁永权, 姚泽坤, 岳太文, 等. IN718合金近等温锻造研究[J]. 锻压技术, 2009, 34(2): 18-20.
NING Y Q, YAO Z K, YUE T W, et al.Near-Isothermal Forging of IN718 Alloys[J]. Forging & Stamping Technology, 2009, 34(2): 18-20.
[6] 赵新宝, 谷月峰, 鲁金涛, 等. GH4169合金的研究新进展[J]. 稀有金属材料与工程, 2015, 44(3): 768-774.
ZHAO X B, GU Y F, LU J T, et al.New Research Development of Superalloy GH4169[J]. Rare Metal Materials and Engineering, 2015, 44(3): 768-774.
[7] 江河, 董建新, 张麦仓, 等. 800 ℃以上服役涡轮盘用难变形镍基高温合金研究进展[J]. 航空制造技术, 2021, 64(S1): 62-73.
JIANG H, DONG J X, ZHANG M C, et al.Research Progress of Difficult-to-Deform Ni-Based Superalloys for Service Turbine Disks above 800 ℃[J]. Aeronautical Manufacturing Technology, 2021, 64(S1): 62-73.
[8] ZHANG H J, LI C, LIU Y C, et al.Effect of Hot Deformation on γ'' and δ Phase Precipitation of Inconel 718 Alloy during Deformation&isothermal Treatment[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2017, 716: 65-72.
[9] HUANG Y Y, ZHANG S Y, YANG J, et al.The Evolution of δ Phase in GH4169 Alloy under Stress-Hot Corrosion Coupling and Its Effect on Mechanical Properties[J]. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2025, 182: 110051.
[10] MA B Q, JIN W J, KANG J, et al.Hot Deformation Behavior of GH4169 Superalloy with High Proportion of Recycled Material Addition and Initial Dendrite Structure[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2024, 1007: 176352.
[11] CHEN X M, YU Y J, LIN Y C, et al.Revealing the Influence of Initial δ Phase on High-Temperature Low- Cycle Fatigue Behavior of GH4169 Superalloy[J]. Engineering Failure Analysis, 2025, 168: 109029.
[12] YANG R, LU S S, WANG Q Y, et al.Effect of Dwell Time and Stress Intensity Factor on Crack Deflection at Elevated Temperature of Nickel-Based Superalloy GH4169 with Forming Induced δ-Phase Clusters[J]. International Journal of Fatigue, 2025, 193: 108794.
[13] ZHANG M B, JIANG L W, ZHANG C H.First-Principles Investigation of Hydrogen Diffusion and Permeation Mechanisms in the γ'' Phase of GH4169 Superalloy[J]. Materials Today Communications, 2025, 46: 112442.
[14] 庄景云, 杜金辉, 邓群. 变形高温合金GH4169组织与性能[M]. 北京: 冶金工业出版社, 2011.
ZHUANG J Y, DU J H, DENG Q.Microstructure and Properties of Deformed Superalloy GH4169[M]. Beijing: Metallurgical Industry Press, 2011.
[15] CHEN M S, ZOU Z H, LIN Y C, et al.Hot Deformation Behaviors of a Solution-Treated Ni-Based Superalloy under Constant and Changed Strain Rates[J]. Vacuum, 2018, 155: 531-538.
[16] LIN Y C, WU X Y, CHEN X M, et al.EBSD Study of a Hot Deformed Nickel-Based Superalloy[J]. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 2015, 640: 101-113.
[17] AZARBARMAS M, AGHAIE-KHAFRI M, CABRERA J M, et al.Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanisms and Twining Evolution during Hot Deformation of Inconel 718[J]. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2016, 678: 137-152.
[18] HE D G, LIN Y C, WANG L H, et al.Influences of Pre-Precipitated δ Phase on Microstructures and Hot Compressive Deformation Features of a Nickel-Based Superalloy[J]. Vacuum, 2019, 161: 242-250.
[19] HE D G, LIN Y C, WANG L H.Microstructural Variations and Kinetic Behaviors during Metadynamic Recrystallization in a Nickel Base Superalloy with Pre-Precipitated δ Phase[J]. Materials & Design, 2019, 165: 107584.
[20] WEN D X, LIN Y C, ZHOU Y.A New Dynamic Recrystallization Kinetics Model for a Nb Containing Ni-Fe-Cr-Base Superalloy Considering Influences of Initial δ Phase[J]. Vacuum, 2017, 141: 316-327.
[21] JIA Z, HENG Y B, WANG Y J, et al.Thermal Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of GH4151 Alloy[J]. Advanced Engineering Materials, 2023, 25(9): 2201488.
[22] CAI H W, CHEN Q, CHEN M S, et al.A Novel Recrystallization Annealing Method to Cooperatively Control the Grain Size and δ Phase Content for Initial Aged GH4169 Superalloy Forging[J]. Materials Characterization, 2023, 205: 113246.
[23] LA MONACA A, AXINTE D, LIAO Z R, et al.Interaction and Competition between Continuous and Geometric Dynamic Recrystallization in High-Strain-Rate Deformation of Nickel-Based Superalloys[J]. Acta Materialia, 2025, 297: 121377.
[24] XIA Y F, DU X, ZENG Y, et al.Twining Evolution and Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanism in GH4706 Alloy during Hot Deformation[J]. Intermetallics, 2025, 182: 108758.
[25] 曾祥, 廖润泽, 徐雪峰, 等. GH6159高温合金热变形行为及动态再结晶建模与仿真研究[J]. 精密成形工程, 2025, 17(7): 193-205.
ZENG X, LIAO R Z, XU X F, et al.Hot Deformation Behavior and Dynamic Recrystallization Modeling and Simulation of GH6159 Superalloy[J]. Journal of Netshape Forming Engineering, 2025, 17(7): 193-205.
[26] YAN P Z, WEN D X, HUANG L, et al.High-Temperature Deformation Behavior and Dynamic Recrystallization Mechanism of Direct Energy Deposited and Wrought IN718 Alloys[J]. Materials Science and Engineering: A, 2025, 943: 148846.
[27] WANG Y J, JIA Z, JI J J, et al.Effect of Twin Nucleation and Twin on the Recrystallization of a Nickel- Based Superalloy during Hot Compression[J]. Materials Characterization, 2022, 194: 112362.