Thermal barrier coatings for jet engines

Abstract

Thermal barrier coatings (TBC) have been used in jet engine combustors for over 15 years. However, it is only recently that they have been actively used in the harsh turbine environment on nozzle guide vane platforms. It is intended to use TBCs on vane airfoils, and on rotating turbine blades where the maximum payoff will be realized. Much work has been done in the last five years towards this goal. Problem areas that need to be addressed are as follows: 1. Prevent coating failure due to: a. thermal cycling of the ceramic layer. b. oxidation of the bond coat. c. erosion due to gas stream solid particles. d. deposition of gas stream molten debris. e. acid leaching of coating phase stabilizers. 2. Minimize performance losses due to rough coatings. 3. Insure consistent high quality coatings. This report will review some of the work done by Rolls-Royce that would hopefully allow an increased use of TBCs on turbine components in the future.