Modeling and processing of liquid-phase-sintered γ-TiAl during high-density infrared processing

A new method for the rapid processing of thin gage sheet of traditionally difficult-to-process materials, such as γ-TiAl, has been modeled and experimentally developed. The method uses high density infrared (HDI) rapid heating of a plasma arc lamp to liquid-phase sinter powder metal compact precursors to structures of varying densities. Material properties for precursor γ-TiAl compacts were effectively chosen or determined and then used with a finite-volume heat-transfer modeling code to model the process. With the aid of the model, processing parameters were determined that allowed for a temperature gradient across the sheet that would produce a liquid-phase cast structure on the surface, residual powder on the backside, and a middle layer solid + liquid zone. Temperature and phase fields were predicted through the thickness of the sheet using the model. Fine grain, lamellar structured materials were produced in the liquid-phase-sintered zone.