Abstract
The outstanding performance of current military and civil aero gas turbine engines is linked closely to the way in which modern design and manufacturing techniques have become totally integrated with materials designed specifically for operation within the hostile environment of a gas turbine. Advanced titanium alloys are used extensively throughout the compressor and nickel-base superalloys dominate materials application in the turbine. In spite of current achievements, the engine designer is still under severe competitive pressure to improve engine performance still further and this will inevitably lead to even more demanding material requirements. The present paper outlines the continuing trends in engine development and describes the impact these are having on materials technology in general and the mechanical property requirements of nickel-base superalloys in particular.
MST/512
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.