Lifetime modelling of high temperature corrosion processes (EFC 34) PDF

During the last decade or so increased technological interest in the FeCrAIRE (where RE is a reactive element) class of alloys has necessitated a corresponding upsurge in research activity to provide engineering data backed by improved scientific understanding. In Europe most work has been undertaken by a succession of three major multi-partnered collaborative programmes within Community framework actions. The third, and recently completed, three year programme has been LEAFA (Life Extension of Alumina Forming Alloys), undertaken under the BRITEjEURAM action, by ten partners from Industry, Research Institutes and Universities from six Member Countries.

The LEAFAproject focussed on the life-limiting corrosion process, that results in the chemical failure of commercial FeCrAIRE alloys. Also a series of high purity model FeCrAIY alloys has been studied to establish the role of important minor constituent elements, Zr, P, Ti, V and Ca. Full lifetime testing was carried out in oxidising environments, to develop a life prediction model, while an initial appraisal was undertaken also on the potential role of more aggressive gas contaminants (S, N, Cl and H20 bearing species) likely to be present in many industrial applications.

The background to the LEAFA project, its objectives, work programme and achievements together with the implications of the project on a European dimension will be outlined in this paper. This will provide an introduction to the seven companion papers detailing the main scientific results derived by the project as presented at the EFC Workshop 'Life Modelling of High Temperature Corrosion Processes' (EFC Event No. 248) at DECHEMA e.V. Frankfurt, Germany on 22 and 23 February 2001 (EFCpublication No. 34), published by The Institute of Materials, London, 2001.

Edited by: M. Schütze, W.J. Quadakkers