M. C. Thomas, Rolls-Royce plc, Derby, United Kingdom
Aero engines are subjected to more challenging requirements generation after generation. The constraints of safety, reliability, weight, fuel efficiency, cost, emissions etc combine to place demands on materials, which are increasingly hard to meet. Materials used in aero turbines operate at compressor discharge temperatures which were only seen in turbines a few decades ago. Blade and vane alloys regularly operate in gas steams significantly above their melting points. Around half the components in a modern aero gas turbine have their surfaces modified in some way to enable them to survive and function. Current engines simply could not operate without surface protection on many critical parts. The current high fuel costs have also placed more emphasis on fuel efficiency and hence on sealing systems. The use of reliable abradable systems is increasingly important. This talk will describe some of the issues facing such materials, and the needs for future materials systems, with a focus on thermal sprayed abradable systems.
Summary: Aero engines are subjected to more challenging requirements generation after generation. The constraints of safety, reliability, weight, fuel efficiency, cost, emissions etc combine to place demands on materials, which are increasingly hard to meet. Materials used in aero turbines operate at compressor discharge temperatures which were only seen in turbines a few decades ago. Blade and vane alloys regularly operate in gas steams significantly above their melting points. Around half the components in a modern aero gas turbine have their surfaces modified in some way to enable them to survive and function. Current engines simply could not operate without surface protection on many critical parts. The current high fuel costs have also placed more emphasis on fuel efficiency and hence on sealing systems. The use of reliable abradable systems is increasingly important. This talk will describe some of the issues facing such materials, and the needs for future materials systems, with a focus on thermal sprayed abradable systems.
