Ceramics in the ERDA Highway Vehicle Heat Engine Systems Program

High temperature ceramic materials are expected to play a major role in the Energy Research and Development Administration (ERDA) Highway Vehicle Heat Engine Systems Program to develop advanced gas turbine and Stirling engines. The development of corrosion resistant and reliable regenerator heat exchangers will be continued, but with renewed emphasis on improving the effectiveness and operating temperature capability. New structural ceramic technology programs will be initiated by ERDA to test current materials and components to 3500 hours, and to develop new materials and fabrication methods for critical turbine and Stirling engine components.