Structural Material Trends in Future Power Plants

Abstract

Environmental and economic concerns necessitate advances in power generation technology. Future power plants will be more fuel efficient, environmentally benign, and economical than current power plants. A high performance power system (HIPPS), based on a coal-fired combined cycle, is currently being developed. The corrosion and temperature-strength properties of currently available metallic materials limit the maximum efficiency of this cycle. Recently, ceramic matrix composites have shown promise in overcoming the design limitations on future power plants. In particular, the high-temperature strength, and corrosion and erosion resistant properties of continuous fiber ceramic composites (CFCCs) will allow engineers to design high-temperature heat exchangers, cyclone vortex finder tubes, and other components. Research is being performed to evaluate candidate materials for use in future power plants. [S0094-4289(00)00203-6]

A new approach to integrated instruction in mechanics and materials science

“…The principal factors for improvement in the performance and reliability of products are the development of new materials [1], the novel use of existing materials, better understanding of the structure-property relationships [2] and incorporation of both mechanics and materials science in the design of structures [3].…”