Exploring Structural Changes, Manufacturing, Joining, and Repair of Intermetallic gamma-TiAl-Based Alloys: Recent Progress Enabled by In Situ Synchrotron X-Ray Techniques

Intermetallic gamma-TiAl-based alloys are a promising class of materials for lightweight high-temperature applications. Following intensive research and development activities, they have recently entered service in the automotive and aircraft engine industries. In the course of the past decades, the development of these complex multiphase alloys has benefited considerably from the application of (in situ) X-ray scattering and diffraction techniques. Herein, a practical introduction and overview of recent progress in this field of research are provided. In particular, four case studies taken from various stages in the alloy development (i.e., fundamental research-manufacturing, joining, and repair-and application) illustrate current prospects at modern synchrotron radiation sources, including detailed information on available setups for in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and a discussion of potential limitations in the use of these techniques.