Low Cycle Fatigue Characteristics of a Low-Thermal Expansion, High Strength Alloy (HAYNES 242 Alloy)

HAYNES^® 242^® alloy, based primarily on the Ni-25Mo-8Cr system, derives its low thermal expansion characteristics from its composition and its high strength concomitant with high ductility from a long-range ordering reaction upon an aging heat treatment. This combination has enabled the alloy continually to find a challenging range of applications in the aerospace industry at up to 1300°F (704°C). These include seal rings, containment rings, duct segments, casings, rocket nozzles, etc. In conjunction with the creep strength and environmental resistance, the low cycle fatigue (LCF) behavior is an important material property affecting the service life of 242 alloy components. The low cycle fatigue behavior of 242 alloy was studied under fully reversed strain-controlled mode at 800°F (427°C), 1000°F (538°C), 1200°F (649°C) and 1400°F (760°C) using a triangular wave form with a frequency of 0.33 Hz. Results are presented in terms of cycles to crack initiation and failure. The magnitudes of fatigue lives at total strain range ≤ 0.7% at 800, 1000 and 1200°F are significantly greater than those of solid solution strengthened alloys. Additionally, stress-controlled LCF tests were performed at 1200°F (649°C) on 242 alloy as well as 909 alloy (for comparison). The paper will discuss the results of these two test programs.