Advanced Turbine Airfoil Development Strategies: Harvesting Low-Hanging Fruit

Abstract

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys have potential to improve turbine blade temperature capability beyond that of superalloy single crystals. In this article, the case is made for the potential to replace single crystals as high-pressure turbine blades with ODS nickel-base alloys. ODS alloys combine proven technology, substantial gains in capability over today’s single crystal alloys, and a clear development path to overcome identified risks.