ABSTRACT
In the past, dispersion-strengthened alloys containing a uniform distribution of small, inert second-phase particles have been of interest mainly because of their high-temperature mechanical strength. This is, however, not their only redeeming value. In general, dispersion-strengthened alloys have a much simpler chemistry than normal elevated-temperature alloys; therefore they can be safely exposed to much higher temperatures than conventional alloys. Such behavior could be important for applications such as the NASP (National Aerospace Plane), where the ability to reach extreme temperatures while possessing good strength, high thermal conductivity, and high thermal diffusivity will be necessary to withstand aerodynamic heating and operating engine temperatures.
