Overview of Lewis materials research: Contributions, current efforts, and future directions

摘要

In the 1940's, materials research efforts on high-temperature valve alloys at NASA Lewis Research Center led to the improved lives and performance of piston-engined fighter and bomber aircraft. The metallurgical skills acquired from that work were then applied to the formulation of high-temperature turbine blade alloys for aircraft gas turbine engines developed in the 1950's. Today, the benefits of superior U.S. engine technology have never been clearer for both commercial and military aircraft. Yet, these superior engines of the 1980's and 1990's now use some the the materials that we helped conceive and evolve in the 1960's and 1970's. NASA Lewis is currently charged with helping industry create, advance, and develop the materials for 21st century engines: 2005 to 2015 plus. Highlights of past work, staff, and facilities are presented. The challenges and new material and process concepts that are currently being worked on as well as plans for the future are summarized.