On the role of temperature fluctuations during microstructural degradation of the Cd-Zn eutectic

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to explore the influence of various types of temperature fluctuations on the microstructural stability of the Cd-Zn eutectic which is treated as a model for certain potential high-temperature, turbine-blade materials. The main conclusion was that the holding period at the highest cycle temperature had a significant, and previously unrecognized, influence upon the rate of microstructural degradation. The mechanism of degradation is discussed and it is noted that considerably more work is needed in this area if such alloys are to fulfill their potential applicability.