Application Technology on Ceramics for Structural Components of High-Temperature Machines

Abstract

Fine ceramics offer excellent strength and durability characteristics at elevated temperatures, however brittle materials exhibit catastrophic failure without any plastic deformation. In consideration of these characteristics, we discussed the structural design concepts which must be established to assure the best use of ceramics for high-temperature machines requiring high reliability. Based on the ceramic-oriented structural design concepts, a ceramic/metal hybrid structure of the 1st stage ceramic stator vanes in industrial gas turbines was developed. In this hybrid stator vane, components exposed to high temperature and a corrosive environment were made of ceramics. Metal was used as the strength member. Moreover, a thermal shock testing method for ceramic to evaluate thermal shock resistance, which is an extremely important factor in ceramic component use was proposed.