Superalloys, Supercomposites and Superceramics

Book excerpt: Superalloys, Supercomposites and Superceramics reviews the state of superalloy technology and some of the more salient aspects of alternative high temperature systems such as superceramics and supercomposites. Superalloy topics range from resource availability to advanced processing such as VIM, VAR, and VADAR, along with investment casting and single crystal growth, new superplastic forming techniques and powder metallurgy, structure property relationships, strengthening mechanisms, oxidation, hydrogen embrittlement, and phase predictions. This book is comprised of 22 chapters that explore key issues of high temperature materials in a synergistic manner. The first chapter reflects on the growth of the superalloy industry and its technology over the past 40 years. The discussion then turns to some of the trends in superalloy development, focusing on what is understood to be meant by the term strategic materials and the current status of resources and reserves in the United States. Particular attention is given to the supply sources and availability of strategic materials. The results achieved from the research program undertaken by NASA Lewis Research Center named Conservation Of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) are also presented. The chapters that follow explore alternative high temperature systems such as intermetallics, fiber reinforced superalloys, and the processing and high temperature properties of ceramics and carbon-carbon composites. This book will be a valuable resource for professionals and graduate students interested in learning about superalloys, supercomposites, and superceramics.