Ceramics for High‐Temperature Applications

Abstract

THE advent of the modern jet‐type power plant for aviation has greatly accelerated the development of new high‐temperature ceramic materials. These power plants are essentially high‐temperature engines which convert heat energy into work. The greater the differential in temperature of the air between the beginning and end of the conversion, the greater the efficiency of the engine. Consequently, turbo‐jets, gas turbines, ram‐jets and rockets have created a demand for materials which will withstand elevated temperatures and vibration and possess good resistance to thermal shock. Ceramic materials seem to offer the best promise of providing these desirable characteristics.