René 41: High-Temperature Nickel Superalloy for Aerospace Turbine Applications
· Published: 2026-08-10 · Updated: August 2026
René 41 is a high-strength nickel-based superalloy developed by General Electric for aircraft gas turbine applications requiring high tensile strength and creep resistance at temperatures up to 980°C. It contains approximately 19% chromium, 11%...
René 41 is a high-strength nickel-based superalloy developed by General Electric for aircraft gas turbine applications requiring high tensile strength and creep resistance at temperatures up to 980°C. It contains approximately 19% chromium, 11% cobalt, 10% molybdenum, 3.2% titanium, and 1.5% aluminum. René 41 is precipitation-hardened by gamma-prime (Ni3(Al,Ti)) and exhibits exceptional strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for turbine blades, vanes, and combustion chamber components. The alloy is also used in rocket engine components and high-temperature fastener applications. Its high molybdenum content provides solid-solution strengthening and improves creep resistance.
Quick Facts
| Category | |
| Standard | |
| Density | 8.25 g/cm³ |
| Yield Strength | |
| Tensile Strength |
Global Equivalents & Cross-Reference
Related Materials
🧮 Material Weight Calculator
Calculate the weight based on this material's density: 8.25 g/cm³
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum operating temperature of René 41?
René 41 can operate at temperatures up to 980°C (1800°F) for short-duration applications and up to 870°C (1600°F) for continuous service. Its high molybdenum content enhances creep resistance at these elevated temperatures.
How does René 41 compare to Waspaloy?
René 41 has higher molybdenum content (10% vs 4.3%) and higher tensile strength (1420 MPa vs 1280 MPa) than Waspaloy. However, René 41 is more difficult to fabricate and weld due to higher strength and strain-age cracking susceptibility.
References & International Standards
- ASTM International. Standard Specifications for Steel & Metal Alloys. astm.org
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Metallic Materials — Cross-Reference Database. iso.org
- American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Steel Grade Designations & Equivalents. steel.org
- European Committee for Standardization (CEN). EN Steel Standards & Numbering System. cencenelec.eu
Specialty Metals — Engineering Reference
Non-ferrous metals — aluminum, copper, titanium, zinc, magnesium — serve applications where steel cannot: electrical conductivity, thermal management, weight reduction, corrosion resistance in specific chemical environments. Each metal family has its own classification system and selection logic.
ASTM B209/B221 (Al), ASTM B152/B187 (Cu), ASTM B265/B348 (Ti), ASTM B86 (Zn), ASTM B90/B91 (Mg)
Electrical wiring and busbars (Cu), aircraft structures and automotive bodies (Al), medical implants and aerospace fasteners (Ti), die-cast consumer products (Zn), lightweight electronic enclosures (Mg)
Galvanic corrosion is the #1 failure mode in multi-metal assemblies. When joining dissimilar metals, consult the galvanic series: the more anodic metal will corrode preferentially. Use isolating washers, protective coatings, or select metals close together on the galvanic series.