Engine Cold Section Materials Application

Consistent with the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) Initiative, the Army sponsored two programs to substantiate the benefits achievable through the applications of advanced materials to static components in turboshaft engines in the 4.54-6.8 kg/s (10-15) lb/s flow class. One program was for the design, fabrication and test of an engine inlet housing utilizing chopped graphite fibers in PMR-15 resin. The other program was for the design, fabrication and test of an impeller diffuser utilizing gamma titanium aluminide (γTiAl). Component designs having a technology level consistent with current developmental engines (Joint Turbine Advanced Gas Generator I (JTAGG I) - IHPTET demonstrator of Phase I goals) were used as a baseline for assessing potential benefits achievable through the application of nonconventional materials. Work performed in these programs provided the verification of the benefits achievable through the application of nonconventional materials to cold section components of turboshaft engines.