The term High Performance Alloys encompasses a wide array of material systems. It usually denotes alloys that can withstand extreme environments, e.g. high temperatures or corrosive atmospheres, show an exceptional combination of strength and ductility or exhibit unique properties such as the shape-memory effect. The aim of the High Performance Alloys Group is to optimize existing materials and discover new alloys through systematic exploration of the relevant multi-dimensional alloying spaces.

Development of high performance alloys

Combinatorial alloy development by LMD

Using X-Rays and Neutrons for Materials Characterization

- Dr.-Ing. Benjamin Wahlmann
- Email: benjamin.wahlmann@fau.de
- Dr.-Ing. Christopher Zenk
- Email: christopher.zenk@fau.de
- Hannes Schulze
- Email: hannes.schulze@fau.de
- Julius Weidinger (M.Sc.)
- Email: julius.weidinger@fau.de

Ma K., Cheng S., Ma X., Blackburn T., Knowles AJ., An K., Santisteban J., Sun F., Zenk C., Ferreirós PA.:
Lattice misfit design and characterisation in BCC superalloys
In: Scripta Materialia 267 (2025), Article No.: 116802
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116802
Knowles AJ., Zenk C.:
BCC-superalloys: Perspectives and challenges
In: Scripta Materialia 267 (2025), Article No.: 116761
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116761
Wang Q., Wang Z., Wang R., Knowles AJ., Zenk C., Song G., Lee C., Liaw PK., Wang T.:
Mechanical behavior of BCC-superalloys
In: Scripta Materialia (2025), Article No.: 116748
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2025.116748
Merle B., Walker CC., Zenk C., Pharr GM.:
High strain rate persistence of the strength anomaly in the L12 intermetallic compound Ni3Si evidenced by nanoindentation testing
In: Acta Materialia 284 (2025), Article No.: 120598
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2024.120598
Karpstein N., Laplanche G., Saksena A., Zehl R., Bezold A., Horst OM., Bürger D., Kostka A., Zenk C., Neumeier S., Gault B., Ludwig A., Fries SG., Spiecker E.:
Microscopic mechanism of the L12–D019 phase transformation in a Co-base single crystal superalloy
In: Acta Materialia 282 (2025), Article No.: 120416
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2024.120416
Bezold A., Egan A., Völkl J., Karpstein N., Gaag T., Spiecker E., Göken M., Mills MJ., Neumeier S.:
Localized phase transformation strengthening in CoNi-based superalloys
In: Scripta Materialia 254 (2025), Article No.: 116312
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2024.116312
Hariharan K., Landes M., Ramsperger M., Luengas O., Yu T., Spiecker E., Zenk C., Wang Y., Virtanen S.:
High temperature oxidation of Ni-based superalloy 247 produced by electron beam powder bed fusion additive manufacturing
In: Corrosion Science 257 (2025), Article No.: 113301
ISSN: 0010-938X
DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2025.113301
Schliephake D., Ramdoss SR., Vikram RJ., Falcão G., Galgon F., Thota H., Hinrichs F., Zenk C., Kauffmann A., Eggeler Y., Suwas S., Schwaiger R., Heilmaier M.:
Microstructure and mechanical properties of a laser-based directed energy deposited Mo-Si-Ti alloy
In: Journal of Materials Science (2025)
ISSN: 0022-2461
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-025-11158-0
Gaag T., Weidinger J., Bandorf J., Lux V., Wahlmann B., Neumeier S., Zenk C., Körner C.:
Experimental Validation of Property Models and Databases for Computational Superalloy Design
In: Advanced Engineering Materials (2024)
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.202401051
Gaag T., Heidowitzsch M., Galgon F., Körner C., Zenk C.:
A Novel Approach for Rapid Material Library Generation Using Laser-Remelting
In: Advanced Engineering Materials 26 (2024), Article No.: 2301316
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.202301316
Kammermeier E., Weidinger J., Ionov I., Ramsperger M., Wahlmann B., Körner C., Zenk C.:
Accelerating Alloy Development for Additive Manufacturing
15th International Symposium on Superalloys, ISS 2024 (Pennsylvania, PA, 8. September 2024 - 12. September 2024)
In: Jonathan Cormier, Ian Edmonds, Stephane Forsik, Paraskevas Kontis, Corey O’Connell, Timothy Smith, Akane Suzuki, Sammy Tin, Jian Zhang (ed.): Minerals, Metals and Materials Series 2024
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-63937-1_11
Morales LA., Bezold A., Förner A., Holz H., Merle B., Neumeier S., Körner C., Zenk C.:
Influence of Cu Addition and Microstructural Configuration on the Creep Resistance and Mechanical Properties of an Fe-Based alpha/alpha '/alpha '' Superalloy
In: Advanced Engineering Materials (2023)
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.202201652
Hagen S., Haußmann L., Wahlmann B., Gebhardt F., Abu-Khousa B., Weiser M., Neumeier S., Zenk C., Virtanen S.:
Influence of the W and Ta content on the High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance of Multinary Co/Ni-Based Superalloys at 1050 °C and 1150 °C
In: High Temperature Corrosion of Materials (2023)
ISSN: 2731-8397
DOI: 10.1007/s11085-023-10183-1
Feng L., Shi R., Zenk C., Mills MJ., Wang Y.:
Phase field modeling of shearing processes of a dual-lobed γ″|γ′|γ″ coprecipitate
In: Acta Materialia 246 (2023), Article No.: 118693
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2023.118693
Morales Victoria L., Luo N., Li K., Zenk C., Körner C.:
On stabilizing an α/α′/α″ microstructure in ferritic superalloys
In: Journal of Alloys and Compounds 911 (2022), Article No.: 164996
ISSN: 0925-8388
DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2022.164996
Luo N., Galgon F., Krauß S., Morales LA., Merle B., Zenk C., Körner C.:
Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties in Zr–Cu–Al–Nb bulk metallic glass composites prepared by laser metal deposition
In: Intermetallics 140 (2022), Article No.: 107393
ISSN: 0966-9795
DOI: 10.1016/j.intermet.2021.107393
Luo N., Huber F., Ciftci N., Wahl L., Bezold A., Neumeier S., Uhlenwinkel V., Travitzky N., Schmidt M., Zenk C., Körner C.:
Laser powder bed fusion of FeCoBSiNb-Cu bulk metallic glass composites: Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties
In: Materials Science and Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing 849 (2022), Article No.: 143405
ISSN: 0921-5093
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2022.143405
Bezold A., Volz N., Lenz M., Karpstein N., Zenk C., Spiecker E., Göken M., Neumeier S.:
Quantification of the temperature-dependent evolution of defect structures in a CoNi-base superalloy
In: Acta Materialia 227 (2022), Article No.: 117702
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2022.117702
Galgon F., Melzer D., Zenk C., Dzugan J., Körner C.:
Miniature mechanical testing of LMD-fabricated compositionally & microstructurally graded γ titanium aluminides
In: Journal of Materials Research (2022)
ISSN: 0884-2914
DOI: 10.1557/s43578-022-00801-0
Wahlmann B., Bandorf J., Volz N., Förner A., Pröbstle J., Multerer K., Göken M., Markl M., Neumeier S., Körner C.:
Numerical Design of CoNi-Base Superalloys With Improved Casting Structure
In: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A-Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science (2022)
ISSN: 1073-5623
DOI: 10.1007/s11661-022-06870-4
Luo N.:
Laser-based additive manufacturing of bulk metallic glass-forming alloys: Processing, microstructure and properties (Dissertation, 2022)
Gaag T., Ritter N., Peters A., Volz N., Gruber D., Neumeier S., Zenk C., Körner C.:
Improving the Effectiveness of the Solid-Solution-Strengthening Elements Mo, Re, Ru and W in Single-Crystalline Nickel-Based Superalloys
In: Metals 11 (2021), Article No.: 1707
ISSN: 2075-4701
DOI: 10.3390/met11111707
Bezold A., Volz N., Lenz M., Zenk C., Spiecker E., Mills MJ., Göken M., Neumeier S.:
Yielding behavior of a single-crystalline γ'-strengthened Co-Ti-Cr superalloy
In: Scripta Materialia 200 (2021), p. 113928
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2021.113928
Horst OM., Schmitz D., Schreuer J., Git P., Wang H., Körner C., Eggeler G.:
Thermoelastic properties and γ’-solvus temperatures of single-crystal Ni-base superalloys
In: Journal of Materials Science (2021)
ISSN: 0022-2461
DOI: 10.1007/s10853-020-05628-w
Ritter N.:
Bedeutung der Mischkristallhärter für die Kriechbeständigkeit Re-freier Nickelbasis-Einkristall-Legierungen (Dissertation, 2021)
Zenk C., Volz N., Zenk C., Felfer P., Neumeier S.:
Impact of the Co/Ni-Ratio on Microstructure, Thermophysical Properties and Creep Performance of Multi-Component γ′-Strengthened Superalloys
In: Crystals 10 (2020), p. 1058
ISSN: 2073-4352
DOI: 10.3390/cryst10111058
Heßelmann C., Wolf T., Galgon F., Körner C., Albert J., Wasserscheid P.:
Additively manufactured Raney-type Copper catalyst for methanol synthesis
In: Catalysis: Science and Technology 10 (2020), p. 164-168
ISSN: 2044-4753
DOI: 10.1039/C9CY01657K
Luo N., Scheitler CJ., Ciftci N., Galgon F., Fu Z., Uhlenwinkel V., Schmidt M., Körner C.:
Preparation of Fe-Co-B-Si-Nb bulk metallic glasses by laser powder bed fusion: Microstructure and properties
In: Materials Characterization 162 (2020), Article No.: 110206
ISSN: 1044-5803
DOI: 10.1016/j.matchar.2020.110206
Horst OM., Ibrahimkhel S., Streitberger J., Wochmjakow N., Git P., Scholz F., Thome P., Singer R., Körner C., Frenzel J., Eggeler G.:
On the Influence of Alloy Composition on Creep Behavior of Ni-Based Single-Crystal Superalloys (SXs)
14th International Symposium on Superalloys, Superalloys 2021 (Seven Springs, PA, 12. September 2021 - 16. September 2021)
In: Sammy Tin, Mark Hardy, Justin Clews, Jonathan Cormier, Qiang Feng, John Marcin, Chris O'Brien, Akane Suzuki (ed.): Minerals, Metals and Materials Series 2020
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-51834-9_6
Wahlmann B., Galgon F., Stark A., Gayer S., Schell N., Staron P., Körner C.:
Growth and coarsening kinetics of gamma prime precipitates in CMSX-4 under simulated additive manufacturing conditions
In: Acta Materialia (2019)
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2019.08.049
Müller A., Sprenger M., Ritter N., Rettig R., Markl M., Körner C., Singer R.:
MultOpt++: a fast regression-based model for the constraint violation fraction due to composition uncertainties
In: Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering 27 (2019)
ISSN: 0965-0393
DOI: 10.1088/1361-651X/aaf01e
Müller A., Roslyakova I., Sprenger M., Git P., Rettig R., Markl M., Körner C., Singer R.:
MultOpt++: a fast regression-based model for the development of compositions with high robustness against scatter of element concentrations
In: Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering 27 (2019)
ISSN: 0965-0393
DOI: 10.1088/1361-651X/aaf0b8
Ritter N., Sowa R., Schauer JC., Gruber D., Göhler T., Rettig R., Körner C., Singer R.:
Effects of Solid Solution Strengthening Elements Mo, Re, Ru, and W on Transition Temperatures in Nickel-Based Superalloys with High γ′-Volume Fraction: Comparison of Experiment and CALPHAD Calculations
In: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A-Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science (2018)
ISSN: 1073-5623
DOI: 10.1007/s11661-018-4730-0
Ritter N., Schesler E., Müller A., Rettig R., Körner C., Singer R.:
On the Influence of Ta and Ti on Heat-Treatability and γ/γ'-Partitioning of High W Containing Re-Free Nickel-Based Superalloys
In: Advanced Engineering Materials (2017)
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.201700150
Neumeier S., Rehman HU., Neuner J., Zenk C., Michel S., Schuwalow S., Rogal J., Drautz R., Göken M.:
Diffusion of solutes in fcc Cobalt investigated by diffusion couples and first principles kinetic Monte Carlo
In: Acta Materialia 106 (2016), p. 304-312
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2016.01.028
Pröbstle M., Neumeier S., Feldner P., Rettig R., Helmer H., Singer R., Göken M.:
Improved creep strength of nickel-base superalloys by optimized γ/γ′ partitioning behavior of solid solution strengthening elements
In: Materials Science and Engineering A-Structural Materials Properties Microstructure and Processing 676 (2016), p. 411-420
ISSN: 0921-5093
DOI: 10.1016/j.msea.2016.08.121
Goehler T., Schwalbe C., Svoboda J., Affeldt E., Singer R.:
Discussing the effect of gamma prime coarsening on high temperature low stress creep deformation with respect to the role of refractory elements
13th International Symposium on Superalloys, SUPERALLOYS 2016 (Seven Springs, 11. September 2016 - 15. September 2016)
In: M. Hardy, E. Huron, U. Glatzel, B. Griffin, B. Lewis, C. Rae, V. Seetharaman, S. Tin (ed.): Superalloys 2016: Proceedings of the 13th Intenational Symposium of Superalloys 2016
DOI: 10.1002/9781119075646.ch70
Rettig R., Matuszewski K., Müller A., Helmer H., Ritter N., Singer R.:
Development of a low-density rhenium-free single crystal nickel-based superalloy by application of numerical multi-criteria optimization using thermodynamic calculations
13th International Symposium on Superalloys, SUPERALLOYS 2016 (Seven Springs, 11. September 2016 - 15. September 2016)
In: M. Hardy, E. Huron, U. Glatzel, B. Griffin, B. Lewis, C. Rae, V. Seetharaman, S. Tin (ed.): Superalloys 2016: Proceedings of the 13th Intenational Symposium of Superalloys 2016
DOI: 10.1002/9781119075646.ch4
Matuszewski K.:
Precepetation of Topologically Close Packed Phases in Ni-base Superalloys - the Effect of Re and Ru (Dissertation, 2016)
Göhler T.:
Designkriterien für rheniumreduzierte Nickelbasis-Einkristalllegierungen: Identifikation und rechnergestützte Umsetzung (Dissertation, 2016)
Matuszewski K., Rettig R., Matysiak H., Peng Z., Povstugar I., Choi P., Müller J., Raabe D., Spiecker E., Kurzydlowski KJ., Singer R.:
Effect of ruthenium on the precipitation of topologically close packed phases in Ni-based superalloys of 3rd and 4th generation
In: Acta Materialia 95 (2015), p. 274-283
ISSN: 1359-6454
DOI: 10.1016/j.actamat.2015.05.033
Rettig R., Ritter N., Helmer H., Neumeier S., Singer R.:
Single-crystal nickel-based superalloys developed by numerical multi-criteria optimization techniques: Design based on thermodynamic calculations and experimental validation
In: Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering 23 (2015), Article No.: 035004
ISSN: 1361-651X
DOI: 10.1088/0965-0393/23/3/035004
Rettig R., Ritter N., Müller F., Franke M., Singer R.:
Optimization of the Homogenization Heat Treatment of Nickel-Based Superalloys Based on Phase-Field Simulations: Numerical Methods and Experimental Validation
In: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A-Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science 46 (2015), p. 5842-5855
ISSN: 1073-5623
DOI: 10.1007/s11661-015-3130-y
Matuszewski K., Müller A., Ritter N., Rettig R., Kurzydłowski K., Singer R.:
On the Thermodynamics and Kinetics of TCP Phase Precipitation in Re- and Ru- Containing Ni-base Superalloys
In: Advanced Engineering Materials 17 (2015), p. 1127-1133
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.201500173
Peng Z., Povstugar I., Matuszewski K., Rettig R., Singer R., Kostka A., Choi PP., Raabe D.:
Effects of Ru on elemental partitioning and precipitation of topologically close-packed phases in Ni-based superalloys
In: Scripta Materialia 101 (2015), p. 44-47
ISSN: 1359-6462
DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2015.01.014
Rettig R., Singer R.:
Fast interpolation algorithm for the calculation of thermodynamic property maps of microstructures
In: Modelling and Simulation in Materials Science and Engineering 22 (2014), p. 1-19
ISSN: 1361-651X
DOI: 10.1088/0965-0393/22/8/085002
Matuszewski K., Rettig R., Rasiński M., Kurzydlowski KJ., Singer R.:
The Three-dimensional morphology of topologically close packed phases in a high rhenium containing nickel based superalloy
In: Advanced Engineering Materials 16 (2014), p. 171-175
ISSN: 1438-1656
DOI: 10.1002/adem.201300198
Matuszewski K., Rettig R., Singer R.:
The effect of Ru on precipitation of topologically close packed phases in Re-containing Ni base superalloys: Quantitative FIB-SEM investigation and 3D image modeling
2nd European Symposium on Superalloys and Their Applications, EUROSUPERALLOYS 2014 (Giens)
DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/20141409001
Franke M.:
Auswirkungen der Legierungszusammensetzung auf die Morphologie und die Festigkeit des Dendritennetzwerkes bei der gerichteten Erstarrung von Nickelbasis-Superlegierungen (Dissertation, 2013)
Heckl A., Cenanovic S., Göken M., Singer R.:
Discontinuous precipitation and phase stability in Re- and Ru-containing nickel-base superalloys
In: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A-Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science 43 (2012), p. 10-19
ISSN: 1073-5623
DOI: 10.1007/s11661-011-0833-6

Term: 1. January 2016 - 31. December 2023
Funding source: DFG / Sonderforschungsbereich / Transregio (SFB / TRR)
Project leader: Matthias Markl

Dr.-Ing. Matthias Markl

Chair of Materials Science and Engineering for Metals

Email: matthias.markl@fau.de
Phone: +49 9131 85 - 71284

Researchgate: www.researchgate.net/profile/Matthias-Markl
Cris: cris.fau.de/persons/100664208/project-leads
Orcid: orcid.org/0000-0002-3000-7081

A new numerical tool will be explored that supports the experimental alloy developer in defining new compositions with potential for high strength. Starting with a composition space that is defined by the developer based on his metallurgical experience and his design goals, the numerical tool will propose the most promising compositions. The research program will on the one hand address open questions regarding the mathematical optimization in this application and on the other hand new models for predicting the relevant material properties.

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Term: since 1. October 2017
Funding source: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
Project leader: Carolin Körner, Christopher Zenk

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carolin Körner

Chair of Materials Science and Engineering for Metals

Email: carolin.koerner@fau.de

Dr.-Ing. Christopher Zenk

Chair of Materials Science and Engineering for Metals

Email: christopher.zenk@fau.de

Scopus: www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56268924400
Cris: cris.fau.de/persons/105787550
Googlescholar: scholar.google.de/citations?user=xg0qZywAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christopher-zenk-223145165/
Orcid: orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-0690-4276
Researchgate: www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher-Zenk

It is worked on novel hierarchical FeAl-based precipitate-strengthened alloys for high-temperature structural applications. Some of them show very unique hierarchical microstructure with L2₁ precipitates within B2 precipitates within a bcc matrix. This exciting group of materials resembles a promising low-cost alternative to Ni-superalloys and Ti-based alloys under specific conditions. A potential application for these alloys ultra-supercritical power plants with service temperatures…

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Term: since 1. October 2017
Funding source: andere Förderorganisation
Project leader: Carolin Körner, Christopher Zenk

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Carolin Körner

Chair of Materials Science and Engineering for Metals

Email: carolin.koerner@fau.de

Dr.-Ing. Christopher Zenk

Chair of Materials Science and Engineering for Metals

Email: christopher.zenk@fau.de

Scopus: www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56268924400
Cris: cris.fau.de/persons/105787550
Googlescholar: scholar.google.de/citations?user=xg0qZywAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christopher-zenk-223145165/
Orcid: orcid.org/my-orcid?orcid=0000-0002-0690-4276
Researchgate: www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher-Zenk

In this project two different but equally exciting material systems are being investigated:

Development of high temperature Cu-Al-Ni-X shape memory alloys (SMAs)

Compared to commercially available Ni-Ti SMAs, Cu-Al-Ni-X SMAs possess a slightly higher transformation temperature above 100 °C and exhibit a lower production cost. However, poor mechanical properties caused by their typically coarse grain size and anisotropy severely limit their worldwide application. Therefore, …

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Term: 21. July 2014 - 30. November 2017
Funding source: Industrie
Project leader: Robert Singer

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Term: 1. October 2010 - 31. March 2015
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
Project leader: Robert Singer

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Term: 1. April 2004 - 30. September 2010
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
Project leader: Robert Singer

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Term: 1. April 2006 - 30. September 2010
Funding source: DFG / Graduiertenkolleg (GRK)
Project leader: Robert Singer

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Term: 1. March 2010 - 30. August 2012
Funding source: Industrie
Project leader: Robert Singer

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Term: 1. January 2009 - 31. December 2012
Funding source: Bayerische Staatsministerien, Bayerische Forschungsstiftung
Project leader: Robert Singer

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High Performance Alloys

Fields of Activity

Team

Publications

Projects

SFB/TRR 103 (C07): Multi-criteria calculation of optimum compositions for single crystal superalloys

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Social Media and Websites

Combinatorial Material Development of Iron Aluminides for Additive Manufacturing

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Cu-based shape memory alloys and bulk-metallic glasses

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MatSim: High temperature single crystal and materials simulation

GRK 1229/2 MM3: Kinetics of brittle phase formation in single crystal Ni-base superalloys

GRK 1229/1 MM3: Thermodynamic modeling of the phase formation in Nickel base superalloys of the 4th generation

GRK 1229/1 MW1: Solidification behavior, phase stability and hardening mechanisms in single crystal Nickel base superalloys of the 4th generation

Pre-development of a Rhenium-free single crystal alloy

KW21-II: Increased efficiency and safety of gas turbines by better castable materials