Evaluation of Ceramics for Small Gas Turbine Engines

Ceramic components for small gas turbine engines offer both reduced cost and increased performance compared to cooled metal components. Results of cost and performance studies are presented for metal and ceramic components. Thermal shock data are presented on various ceramics which show the superiority of hot-pressed silicon nitride and vapor-deposited silicon carbide. Cascade and ballistic impact test results are shown for ceramic nozzle vanes. The limits of radiographic and ultrasonic inspection techniques are also discussed. A design is presented for the assembly of ceramic vanes for engine testing.