RADIAL TURBINE DEVELOPMENT FOR THE 100 KW AUTOMOTIVE CERAMIC GAS-TURBINE

The development of turbine components for the automotive 100 kW cerami c gas turbine has entered the final stage of the seven-year project an d is making satisfactory progress reward the goals. We have attained t he interim targets of the aerodynamic performances and have been carry ing out tests to further improve efficiency. As for ceramic parts, we have changed the material of the turbine rotor to a new one that is ex cellent in long-sustained and high-temperature strength properties, an d have confirmed substantial strength at high temperature through hot- spin tests. After evaluating blade-vibration stress through analyses a nd experiments, we completed an endurance evaluation at 1200 degrees C (1473 K) TIT (Turbine Inlet Gas Temperature) and a rated speed of 100 ,000 rpm. We ar-e now carrying out endurance tests at 1350 degrees C ( 1623 K) TIT. For ceramic stationary parts, we already finished the eva luations at 1200 degrees C TIT and are also conducting an endurance te st at 1350 degrees C TIT. Using these parts in a full-assembly test, t ogether with other elements, we confirmed that they cause no functiona l problem in tests performed at 1200 degrees C TIT level up to the rat ed speed (100,000 rpm), and are evaluating their performances.