Equivalent method of evaluating mechanical properties of perforated Ni-based single crystal plates using artificial neural networks

Creep experiments were performed to study the mechanical characteristics of Ni-based single crystal superalloy samples with densely arranged air film holes. An equivalent model based on crystallographic theory coupled with continuous damage mechanics was developed. The equivalent method was proposed, combining artificial neural networks and the equivalent solid material concept. A series of experiments and calculation results on plates with diverse arrangement patterns and ligament efficiencies were compared to validate the accuracy of the proposed method. The results indicate that the creep curves of the simplified models agree well with the experimental results. The microstructural evolution observed by scanning electron microscopy can be evaluated using the evolution of the maximum resolved shear stress with the creep time. The damage distribution of the simplified models is consistent with the crack initiation location and propagation region of samples. Additionally, the slip system actuation of the simplified models is the same as that of the experimental results. The equivalent errors of the creep time, maximum resolved shear stress and creep damage are less than 15%, except for individual points, indicating that the equivalent method proposed in this study is feasible and accurate.