Preliminary Experiences with a Ceramics Evaluation Engine Rig

An engine test rig has been designed and built for evaluation of monolithic ceramic components and metal components protected by ceramic shields or coatings for operation in the high temperature environment of the combustion gases of an uncooled Diesel engine. Tests on the first monolithic ceramic components have shown thermal shock capability to be more critical than resistance to tensile bending, or vibration induced stresses. Configuration design can reduce the effects of the latter more readily than it can deal with thermal shock.