Evolution of dislocation structures in cyclically deformed NiAl-Fe

The microstructures of NiAl-Fe (Ni, 50.3 at% Al, 0.28 at% Fe) polycrystals tested in HCF (high cycle fatigue) below and above the DBTT (ductile to brittle transition temperature) viz., 673 K, 823 K, 873 K and 928 K at different stress amplitudes were observed by transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure consisted of low energy dislocation networks and dislocation cells. The fundamental features of the dislocation structures are described. Misorientation angles between cells were measured from Kikuchi patterns obtained from cells through microdiffraction. The misorientations across the cell walls were found to increase with increase in the stress amplitude to which the material was subjected during cycling. The mechanisms for the formation and evolution of these structures are discussed on the basis of existing theoretical models. The implications of these substructures on the mechanical properties are also discussed.