Material Characterization of Candidate Silicon Based Ceramics for Stationary Gas Turbine Applications

Abstract

The Ceramic Stationary Gas Turbine (CSGT) Program is evaluating the potential of using monolithic and composite ceramics in the hot section of industrial gas turbines. Solar Turbine’s Centaur 50 engine is being used as the test bed for ceramic components. The first stage blade, first stage nozzle and the combustor have been selected to develop designs with retrofit potential, which will result in improved performance and lowered emissions. As part of this DOE sponsored initiative a design and life prediction database under relevant conditions is being generated. This paper covers experiments conducted to date on the evaluation of monolithic silicon based ceramics. Mechanical property characterizations have included dynamic fatigue testing of tensile as well as flexural specimens at the temperatures representative of the blade root, the blade airfoil and the nozzle airfoil. Data from subcomponent testing of blade attachment concepts are also included.