Description: The work will contribute to the NASA Aeronautics Program goal of increased gas turbine efficiency. Efficiency improvements contribute to the national goals of reduced aircraft fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This work will contribute to an increase in TRL level for SiC/SiC CMCs, and advance the NASA Aeronautics Program goals. The work seeks to maximize the benefits of SiC/SiC CMCs by identifying appropriate turbine blade architectures.

Benefits: The work will contribute to the NASA Aeronautics Program goal of increased gas turbine efficiency. Efficiency improvements contribute to the national goals of reduced aircraft fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This work will contribute to an increase in TRL level for SiC/SiC CMCs, and advance the NASA Aeronautics Program goals. The work seeks to maximize the benefits of SiC/SiC CMCs by identifying appropriate turbine blade architectures.

Gas turbine manufactures and government agencies are potential markets for the services we provide for the analysis of hot section components. The work seeks to minimize a weight penalty for the high pressure spool components. The performance of civilian and military aircraft is sensitive to weight. Military agencies, their suppliers, and the Dept. of Energy are markets for our services.