QUESTEK INNOVATIONS LLC — Department of Defense STTR Phase I: N17B-T031

Description

Ni-superalloys currently are the state-of-the-art for use in aeroturbine blades and other high temperature applications. In order to push engine efficiencies higher, aeroturbines must perform at even hotter temperatures greater than the melting point of Ni (1455oC). At these temperatures, potential material solutions for achieving higher performance are limited. High Entropy Alloys (HEAs) are stable, high temperature, high strength alloys created by entropic stabilization of a disordered phase. HEAs, especially those containing refractory elements, have been demonstrated to be potential high temperature efficiency materials that can replace Ni-based superalloys.<br>HEAs will replace existing superalloy materials, however the ability to predict HEA compositions and furthermore, appropriate processing conditions for a functional alloy solution is limited by modeling capabilities that address thermodynamic stability, kinetics of oxidation, ductility, and high temperature strength. QuesTek Innovations LLC will use existing Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) tools to predict compositions and appropriate processing of alloys for high performance HEA candidates. Partnered with the University of Tennessee, Knoxvilles Prof. Peter K. Liaw, a world expert in HEAs and other high performance alloys, QuesTek will design, prototype, characterize and mechanically test high potential HEAs. Finally, QuesTek will deliver an ICME toolset to design and develop potential HEAs.