Thesis-2014-Smith.pdf (19.36 MB)
Microstructural evolution of Nimonic 263 for use in next generation power plant
thesis
posted on 2014-06-23, 13:46 authored by Sean A. SmithEnvironmental and economical demands are driving the need for the UK and the rest of the world to develop
higher efficiency, next generation coal-fired plant. Higher efficiency energy recovery will ultimately result in a
combination of cheaper energy for the consumer and enabling industry to meet emission targets. The intention is
to increase operating parameters from 550°C and 17.5 MPa to 700°C and 30 MPa resulting in more efficient
energy generation. This increase in operating parameters will also increase the demand on power plant
materials, resulting in the use of some existing materials to be no longer viable. It is for this reason that nickel
based alloys have been considered for areas of the plant which will experience high temperatures, pressure and
will also require enhanced creep resistance.
Nickel based alloys will be used in high temperature, high pressure components such as steam headers. This
research focuses on one of the candidate materials for this area of plant, the alloy Nimonic 263. The ultimate aim
of the research is to study the microstructural evolution with respect to time at a range of high temperatures to
help assess the suitability of the alloy. To fully assess the alloy’s candidacy it must be studied in each product
form in which it is likely to be used, and for this reason this research has considered Nimonic 263 as a forged,
welded and cast alloy. [Continues.]
Funding
EPSRC, Supergen Initiative (grant nos. GR/S86334/01 and EP/F029748)
History
School
- Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering
Department
- Materials
Publisher
© Sean SmithPublication date
2014Notes
A Doctoral Thesis. Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of Doctor of Philosophy of Loughborough University.Language
- en