Ceramic Composites for Advanced Gas Turbine Engines

While the potential benefits that may accrue from the use of ceramic matrix composites in man-rated gas turbine engines are often calculated to be significant in extent and diversity, none of these materials have as yet entered into the production bill-of-material of any current propulsion system. Accomplishing this will require substantive changes in design philosophies, manufacturing methods and inspection techniques. Described are the range of potential applications and benefits that can be obtained and the obstacles that must be overcome before the ceramic composites can be used with confidence in the next generations of aircraft propulsion systems. Superalloys 1992 Edited by S.D. Antolovich, R.W. Stusrud, R.A. MacKay, D.L. Anton, T. Khan, R.D. Kissinger, D.L. Klarstmm The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, 1992