Recent Advance in Creep of Superalloys: From Microstructure to Mechanical Properties

Dear Colleagues,

Of the world’s production of electricity, about 40% is based on coal combustion, and since the end of the 20th century, it has constantly been upgraded. First of all, it results in the design and construction of highly efficient steam boilers. Work has also been conducted to improve on the less efficient power units that have been used so far. To a large extent, this is caused by the requirements of the broadly defined environmental protection. In addition, this development has also been stimulated by the fact that the development of alternative energy sources, which has been promoted for many years, shows that a long time will pass before they will become the basic source of energy, not only in Europe, but also in the world. The above data clearly show that the work on the development of modern steels and alloys for high-performance energy engineering cannot be neglected. The materials used in the construction of steam boilers need to show not only an adequate creep strength and corrosion resistance in a steam and exhaust gas atmosphere, but also high mechanical properties both at room and elevated temperatures. The process of changes in the performance of these materials, and thus in their microstructure, is described by the materials’ characteristics, which, in combination with the methods for the assessment of their exhaustion degree, are used for releasing them for further safe operation both within and beyond the design service time. The main purpose of this Special Issue is to collect original research work on the assessment of the durability of new and in-operation steels and alloys working under creep conditions. Works describing the influence of the microstructure state on the creep strength of modern steels and alloys that are intended for high temperature operation are desirable. It is advantageous to review the broadly understood subject of assessment of the durability of exploitation directed at testing steels and alloys, as well as their single and unmated welded joints. Topics concern both destructive and non-destructive research techniques. Studies should pay particular attention to the discussion of the methodology used in assessing the durability of the materials tested. Because the creeping qualities are mainly determined by the type of material microstructure, reference should be made to the microstructure and basic mechanical properties. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The development of modern steel and alloys for work in creep conditions
• The methods used in the forecast of operational durability and residual durability
• The assessment of the durability of welded joints

We kindly invite you to submit a manuscript(s) for this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Adam Zieliński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• Creep
• Residual life
• Microstructure
• Precipitations
• Mechanical properties
• Steel and alloy for power plant
• Welded joint
• Forecast