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Abstract

This article presents an overview of use, advantages, and challenges related to ceramic gas turbines. The research shows that if these ceramic parts perform as promised, both operationally and economically, it could radically alter the jet engine industry. The promise of ceramics is that by taking advantage of their lower weight and superior high temperature properties, one could replace the complex air-cooled metal components with simpler ceramic components more tolerant of high temperatures. However, one difficulty engineers have had in developing ceramic components is the inability to put promising designs in production gas turbines for a true ‘beta’ test. GE plans to expand its application of ceramic matrix composites use in its 100,000-pound thrust GE9X engine, now under development for Boeing’s 777X airframe and scheduled to enter service in 2020. It will feature CMC combustion liners, high-pressure turbine stators, and first-stage shrouds. The jet engine industry has since developed successful composite fans; however, the inaugurating company got off to a rocky start.