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2026 Vol.36, Issue 8

Research Paper

Heat Treatment and Mechanical Property Behavior of 3.5NiCrMoV Steel for Gas Turbine Compressors

가스터빈 압축기용 3.5NiCrMoV 강의 열처리물성 거동

Suseong Kang12
,
Joonghoon Kim1
,
Changwoo Lee3
,
Jaeho Jang4
,
Hyoung Chan Kim1
,
Byung Jun Kim1
,
Sanghoon Noh2†
,
Byoungkoo Kim1†
강 수성12
,
김 중훈1
,
이 창우3
,
장 재호4
,
김 형찬1
,
김 병준1
,
노 상훈2†
,
김 병구1†
1Advanced Energy Materials and Components R&D Group, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Busan 46938, Republic of Korea
2Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
3Steel Pipe Technology Center, Pohang Institute of Materials Industry Advancement, Pohang 37923, Republic of Korea
4Busan Machinery Industry Cooperatives, Busan 46741, Republic of Korea
1한국생산기술연구원 동남기술실용화본부
2국립부경대학교 재료공학과
3(재)포항소재산업진흥원 강관기술센터
4부산시기계공업협동조합
†Corresponding author E-Mail : nohssang@pknu.ac.kr (S. Noh, Pukyong Nat’l Univ.), bungkim@kitech.re.kr (B. Kim, KITECH)
27 August 2026. pp. 277-289
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Abstract

This study investigates optimization of the heat treatment processes for a 35-ton 3.5NiCrMoV steel forging intended for gas turbine compressor applications. Gas turbines are critical power generation facilities that operate under extreme conditions, with compressor components enduring temperatures above 500 °C, high-speed rotation, and significant stress. There is an urgent need to develop independent domestic technology for these components, as advanced nations restrict technology transfer. This study proposes replacing expensive imported nickel alloys with 3.5NiCrMoV steel, traditionally used for steam turbine rotors, to reduce costs and ensure supply chain stability. To meet the demanding requirements for higher strength, ductility, and toughness in gas turbine environments, a systematic study on optimizing the heat treatment process was conducted. The methodology involved composition analysis via precision spectroscopy, thermodynamic modeling of phase transformation behavior validated by dilatometer experiments, and CCT curve analysis to determine critical cooling rates for robust bainite phase formation. Heat treatment master curves based on quenching and tempering temperatures were derived to identify candidate conditions, and the resulting tensile, hardness, and impact toughness properties were evaluated. Finally, by analyzing the correlation between microstructure and mechanical properties, an optimized quenching and tempering process for gas turbine compressor applications was established.

Keywords
gas turbine
compressor
3.5NiCrMoV
thermodynamic modeling
heat treatment
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Information
  • Publisher :Materials Research Society of Korea
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국재료학회
  • Journal Title :Korean Journal of Materials Research
  • Journal Title(Ko) :한국재료학회지
  • Volume : 36
  • No :8
  • Pages :277-289
  • Received Date : 2026-06-01
  • Revised Date : 2026-06-29
  • Accepted Date : 2026-07-20
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.3740/MRSK.2026.36.8.277
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