The quest for ever higher performance in aircraft engines presents a significant challenge to the Materials Engineer in balancing seemingly conflicting requirements. The price of aircraft engines has not kept pace with inflation since 1982 and manufacturers have had to absorb cost increases with efficiency and technological improvements. This has put pressure on engine manufacturers and their suppliers.

The advent in both the U.S. and Europe of low cost airlines together with pressure on load factors from recent world events means that prices are depressed throughout the aerospace industry. New airframes such as the Boeing 7E7 and Airbus A380 place increasing demands on fuel efficiency, emissions and weight.

Competitive products will require new technologies that increase performance and reliability while reducing both primary cost and cost of ownership, environmental impact and weight.

Materials are key enablers to meet these requirements. This presentation will survey the recent trends and future opportunities in metallic, ceramic and composite materials