Crystal orientation and elastic properties

Abstract This chapter summarizes the most common mathematical representations of the elastic behavior of single-crystal superalloys. It provides relationships between the various constants in use in the engineering literature and recalls the basic tensor algebra concepts that are necessary to implement and perform calculations with the stiffness or compliance tensors. In particular, the definition of the Euler angles and the transformation rules for tensor components in different frames are recalled. The most common determination methods for these constants are presented. As an illustration, a compilation of published data for the alloy CMSX-4 and other alloys obtained by various measurement methods is presented. Finally, the data available in the literature for the elastic constants of the isolated matrix and precipitate phases are presented and discussed.