Advanced Ni base superalloys for small gas turbines

Ni base superalloy cast materials provide an outstanding balance of high temperature strength, fatigue resistance, oxidation resistance and coating performance, and can be produced to very tight tolerances in extremely complex configurations, such as axial and centrifugal integral cast turbine wheels. As a result, cast superalloys are used in the most demanding applications of aero and industrial gas turbine engines. Use of these materials is expanding to smaller microturbine, turbojet, turbocharger and missile engine applications due to this unique combination of desirable properties. This paper will present an overview of the application of investment cast Ni base superalloys and process capability to small turbine and missile engines.