ABSTRACT
Aeroengine gas turbines can be optimized in different ways for different applications, and even in different ways for the same application. This optimization process is driven by a number of broad factors as diverse as the basic laws of physics and gas behaviour through to aircraft operational performance and the financial needs of both the engine manufacturer and the end user of the aircraft. Through all of this runs a common factor: materials-metals, polymers and ceramics-are key to balancing all these factors for achievement of the optimum engine design and, in turn, the design needs for future engines define the need for materials development.
