Ceramic Matrix Composites Application in Automotive Gas Turbines

Abstract

We are conducting the development of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and components made of CMC for a 100 kW automotive ceramic gas turbine (CGT) as shown in Fig. 1. When compared to monolithic ceramics (MC), CMC that we have developed demonstrate superior strength characteristics in terms of resistance to particle impact and thermal shock. We have conducted evaluation tests on the strength of CMC components in which MC such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide were used as a reference for comparison with CMC in the same testing process as employed for components made of MC such as silicon nitride and silicon carbide. It was confirmed that actual components made of CMC realized approximately the same strength as the test pieces. Furthermore, some CMC components have already passed screening tests that evaluated the strength of the components. It was therefore confirmed that the potential exists for the possibility of testing these components in high-temperature assembly tests and engine tests.