Challenges: Gas turbines are a core technology in aero-propulsion and industrial power generation whose progress is intimately linked with advances in thermo-structural materials. The relentless drive for higher performance and durability, compounded by the demands to reduce emissions, increase fuel flexibility and resist environmental attack, offers both challenges and opportunities for research in new materials systems. The research is multidisciplinary, involving mechanics, materials and processing science with cognizance of current trends in component design.
Strategy: UCSB employs a holistic approach that embraces and integrates all critical aspects of materials technology, including alloys, coatings, and composites, processing, simulations and characterization. Materials issues relevant to the high-pressure turbine include higher temperature single crystal alloys that act in concert with coatings, advanced bond coat alloys for environmental protection with improved thermo-chemical and thermo-mechanical compatibility with the load-bearing alloy, and thermal barrier oxides with new compositions that enhance temperature capabilities. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and associated environmental barrier coatings are also incorporated in next generation engines, especially for combustors. The research is conducted in close collaboration with leading suppliers of aero- and industrial turbines (General Electric, Pratt &Whitney, Siemens).
