Anisotropy investigation of a single crystal superalloy using laser-spot infrared thermography

Thermal property investigation of anisotropic materials such as single crystal superalloys are still in interest of practical and fundamental reasons but remains challenging using conventional testing methods. In this study, a single crystal superalloy is tested using laser-spot thermography, and its thermal anisotropy is investigated. Determining anisotropic thermal conductivity at microscopic scales is challenging, as it appears isotropic at the macroscopic scale. Infrared thermography is one of the best-known techniques for measuring material heat transfer properties and facilitating visualization of temperature distribution through the specimen. The proposed study uses the active thermography method of laser-spot infrared thermography, in which a laser spot is focused onto the sample surface and the thermal response is captured from the surface of the specimen with an infrared camera. A detailed analysis of temperature gradients and heat diffusion patterns aids in the measurement of thermal conductivity values along the sample's different crystallographic directions. The directional bonding characteristics and inherent crystallographic structure of the alloy account for the inplane thermal conductivities calculated from experimental thermal measurements. The laser-spot thermography method has proven to be an effective tool for mapping the material's thermal conductivity anisotropy with high sensitivity and high spatial and temporal resolution. The investigation into the anisotropy of the material provides an insight into heat flow in the structure and helps in optimizing the design and overall performance of the material system.