Invention Reference Number
Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed lower-density niobium-based alloys engineered for improved high-temperature creep resistance in extreme environments such as turbine operations. These alloys are designed to operate at elevated temperatures while maintaining mechanical strength and ductility, potentially enabling longer service life and enhanced performance in demanding applications. By combining computational modeling with advanced processing, the technology addresses the challenge of achieving the necessary balance between low density, high-temperature performance, and manufacturability.
Description
Current turbine materials operate near their maximum temperature limits, creating a need for alloys that can withstand higher operational temperatures without loss of structural integrity. Niobium offers a favorable combination of strength, thermal conductivity, and ductility, but its high-temperature oxidation resistance and density constraints have limited broader adoption. This invention introduces niobium-based alloys formulated to maintain mechanical performance under prolonged high-temperature conditions while meeting targeted density requirements. Through an integrated design process, candidate alloys were developed, fabricated, and evaluated for creep resistance, tensile strength, and ductility. The resulting materials demonstrated the potential to meet operational requirements for advanced turbine components, offering improved efficiency and durability without disclosing the specific compositional or processing innovations that enable these advancements.
Benefits
- Potential for higher operational temperatures compared to conventional turbine alloys
- Maintains strength and ductility under prolonged high-temperature exposure
- Reduced density for improved performance-to-weight ratio
Applications and Industries
- Gas turbine blades and static hot-gas path components
- Aerospace propulsion systems and rotating components
- High-efficiency power generation equipment
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
