An irradiation hardening of Inconel 718 produced by selective laser melting (SLM) was studied based on the microstructural observation and mechanical behavior. Ion irradiation for emulating neutron irradiation has been proposed owing to advantages such as low radiation emission and short experimental periods. To prevent softening caused by the dissolution of ' and '' precipitates due to irradiation, only solution annealing (SA) was performed. SLM SA Inconel 718 specimen was ion irradiated to demonstrate the difference in microstructure and mechanical properties between the irradiated and non-irradiated specimens. After exposing specimens to Fe3+ ions irradiation up to 100 dpa (displacement per atom) at an ambient temperature, the hardness of irradiated specimens was measured by nanoindentation as a function of depth. The depth distribution profile of Fe3+ and dpa were calculated by the Monte Carlo SRIM (Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter)-2013 code under the assumption of the displacement threshold energy of 40 eV. A transmission electron microscope was utilized to observe the formation of irradiation defects such as dislocation loops. This study reveals that the Frank partial dislocation loops induce irradiation hardening of SLM SA Inconel 718 specimens.

In order to investigate the low-cycle fatigue behavior of Inconel 718 alloy used for pressure vessels, the strain-controlled fatigue test was performed in the room and high temperatures of 550°C. High temperature test was done using an electric furnace attached on the hydraulic fatigue test system. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of the Inconel 718 alloy at the temperature of 550°C decreased by 8% and 10%, respectively, compared to those at the room temperature. Subjected to the repeated cyclic loading under the strain-control, the material exhibited cyclic softening behavior with decreasing yield strength at both room and high temperatures. The low-cycle fatigue properties determined in this research could be effectively used for the fatigue life estimation of high temperature components made of Inconel 718 alloy.

To evaluate the development of the microstructure and mechanical properties on surface modified and post-heat-treated Inconel 718 alloy, this study was carried out. A friction stir process as a surface modification method was employed,and overlap welded Inconel 718 alloy as an experimental material was selected. The friction stir process was carried out ata tool rotation speed of 200 rpm and tool down force of 19.6-39.2kN; post-heat-treatment with two steps was carried out at720oC for 8h and 620oC for 6h in vacuum. To prevent the surface oxidation of the specimen, the method of using argongas as shielding was utilized during the friction stir process. As a result, applying the friction stir process was effective todevelop the grain refinement accompanied by dynamic recrystallization, which resulted in enhanced mechanical properties ascompared to the overlap welded material. Furthermore, the post-heat-treatment after the friction stir process accelerated theformation of precipitates, such as gamma prime (γ') and MC carbides, which led to the significant improvement of mechanicalproperties. Consequently, the microhardness, yield, and tensile strengths of the post-heat-treated material were increased morethan 110%, 124% and 85%, respectively, relative to the overlap welded material. This study systematically examined therelationship between precipitates and mechanical properties.

Inconel 718 alloy has excellent mechanical properties at room temperature, high temperature and cryogenic conditions. UTS of base metal is about 900MPa at room temperature; this is increased up to 1300MPa after heat treatment & aging-hardening. Mechanical properties of Inconel 718 Alloy were similar to those shown in the the results for tensile test; mechanical properties of Inconel 718 alloy's GTAW were similar to those of base metal's properties at room temperature. Mechanical properties at cryogenic conditions were better than those at room temperature. Heat-treated Inconel 718, non- filler metal GTAW on Inconel 718 and GTAW used filler metal on Inconel 718's UTS was 1400MPa at cryogenic condition. As a result, the excellent mechanical properties of Inconel 718 alloy under cryogenic conditions was proved through tensile tests under cryogenic conditions. In addition, weldability of Inconel 718 alloy under cryogenic conditions was superior to that of its base-metal. In this case, UTS of hybrid joint (IS-G) at -100˚C was 900MPa. Consequently, UTS of Inconel 718 alloy is estimated to increase from -100˚C to a specific temperature below -100˚C. Therefore, Inconel 718 alloy is considered a pertinent material for the production of Lox Pipe under cryogenic conditions.