Nickel based superalloys are a class of high performance materials that are reserved for situations where resistance to high stress, high temperatures and high stresses are required. With the advent of additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing), there has been an increased focus placed on the successful deposition of these alloys through laser processing for the repair and generation of aerospace components. One such application has been the repair of damaged gas turbine blades, as new blades are expensive and difficult to produce. While significant cost savings can be made, the composition of nickel based superalloys poses important challenges to implementing this repair process.

In this assignment, you are required to investigate the available literature and report on the importance of nickel based superalloys to aerospace applications and the difficulties faced when using this alloy in laser processing. A set of specific questions that you need to address in your report are listed in the Rubric. A list of useful papers has been supplied below. It is recommended to structure your report by answering each question one by one as outlined in the Rubric.

The word limit for the report is 1000 words. Attached below is the rubric with highlighted text that is to be put as the headings in the report and under the highlighted text there are the questions that needs to be answered under each heading. The screenshot attached shows the resources (Journal articles) that need to be used to write information in the report.