Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 February 2011
In this investigation, the influence of second phase particles on high cycle fatigue behavior of Ni3Al alloy is studied. A single phase Ni3Al-B alloy and a Ni3Al-B/Zr alloy with a few second phase particles (Ni5Zr) at the grain boundaries are selected for investigation. High cycle fatigue tests at room temperature with R (minimum stress/maximum stress) 0.1 are conducted in air and at 30 Hz. The results show that the second phase particles are detrimental to high cycle fatigue resistance. It may be explained in terms of the second phase particles promoting fatigue crack initiation. The characteristics of fracture surfaces are examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).