Ceramic Components in Gas Turbine Engines: Why Has It Taken So Long?

Description

Extensive efforts have been in progress worldwide since the late 1960s to develop ceramic turbine components, particularly since the introduction of high-strength silicon nitride and silicon carbide materials. This paper identifies the difficult challenges that have been encountered and highlights some of the key milestones in overcoming these challenges. Issues of improvements in material properties (especially long term durability at high temperature), property measurement and standards, component fabrication, quality assurance, design methodology for brittle materials, life prediction codes, and accumulation of rig and engine testing are all discussed. Read more... Abstract: Extensive efforts have been in progress worldwide since the late 1960s to develop ceramic turbine components, particularly since the introduction of high-strength silicon nitride and silicon carbide materials. This paper identifies the difficult challenges that have been encountered and highlights some of the key milestones in overcoming these challenges. Issues of improvements in material properties (especially long term durability at high temperature), property measurement and standards, component fabrication, quality assurance, design methodology for brittle materials, life prediction codes, and accumulation of rig and engine testing are all discussed