RESULTS of a research program designed to find improved materials for jet engine blades is presented here.
These blades are subjected to a very severe combination of conditions, including high temperatures and stresses.
The search for materials capable of meeting these conditions has led from high-temperature alloys to ceramics, and from ceramics to ceramals-combinations of ceramics and metals that, it is hoped, can be made to combine the advantages of both materials.
Although the goal of a material that can stand a temperature of 3500 F under the conditions of operation has not yet been reached, substantial improvements have been made in prolonging life at current temperatures and for increasing peak cycle temperatures.