Anisotropic yielding performance of additively manufactured Inconel 718: Effect of thermal treatment

Abstract

Texture develops in metallic materials as a result of manufacturing operations. The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technique involves complex thermal behaviour causing directional solidification thus leading to a high degree of texture. Additively manufactured Inconel 718 alloy finds various applications in aerospace components subjected to extreme operating conditions. Thus it becomes necessary to identify the comprehensive anisotropic behaviour to understand the component's performance in the end application. In this paper, the anisotropy of Inconel 718 alloy has been evaluated qualitatively using the Knoop hardness test. The anisotropy of yield loci is reduced after heat treatment. The reduction in the area of the yield locus after thermal treatment symbolizes texture softening of the component. © 2022