Nondestructive testing of ceramics for vehicular advanced heat engines

摘要

Transportation is the largest petroleum user in the United States, accounting for about two-thirds of the total use. Of this, over 80% of the transportation fuels are consumed in roadway vehicles. The need for improvements in transportation fuel efficiency is clear. As one approach toward the solution of this problem, there has been expanded research into new automative propulsion systems. One phase of this development has been for advanced heat engines such as the automative gas turbine and low-heat rejection diesel engine. The improved energy efficiency depends on the ability of such engines to operate at very high temperatures by using high-temperature structural materials. Advanced structural ceramics are the materials of choice. However, current limitations in reliability of advanced ceramics have required extensive research and development to overcome the problems. A major program is being funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Transportation Technologies. Nondestructive testing (NDT) is a vital part of that program. Development and application of advanced NDT are being performed by several ceramics producers, engine fabricators, research and development organizations and NDT companies. Advanced and improved techniques are being studied for examination of ceramics at all stages of fabrication from the starting raw materials through intermediate stages, to the final finished product.