INFLUENCE OF MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY ON THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF AEROTURBINES

Handy Colloquium INFLUENCE OF MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY ON THE FUEL EFFICIENCY OF AEROTURBINES Professor Anthony G. EvansDepartment of Materials & Mechanical Engineering
University of California
Santa Barbara, CAAbstractThe fuel efficiency of aero-turbines has been improved systematically during recent decades. The trend is strongly correlated with the increase in achievable temperature in the hot sections of the turbine. In turn, this temperature increase is attributed to combined advances in materials and active cooling technologies. This presentation examines the materials innovations that continue to be implemented due to advancements at the frontiers of materials and mechanics. The most recent advances have been enabled by multilayer coatings that impart thermal and oxidation protection. The former is provided by an oxide with exceptionally low thermal conductivity. The latter is achieved using alloy coatings that form alumina. For continued performance enhancement using such multilayer concepts a systems-level methodology is needed. The materials and mechanics formulations that have been devised for this purpose are described.

Location: Olin Hall of Engineering (OHE) - 122

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Petra Pearce