Advancing aero-engines

摘要

Since the inception of the gas turbine, materials have been at the forefront of enabling technologies, something that is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future. In early engine designs, coating technologies were seen as remedies to addressing design shortfalls and introduced into operation through a 'build and test' philosophy. Today, operating conditions, economic and environmental factors are compelling materials scientists to adopt the approach of robust design of material systems, combined with advanced manufacturing technologies, to meet future challenges. In this context, modelling techniques will become increasingly important to optimise materials and manufacturing processes and reduce development costs and cycle times. The benefits in embracing this move from reactive to predictive design are illustrated in the diagram below.