Seminar: Gas Turbine Materials

Dr. R. Shafrik, GE Aviation, will be presenting as part of the aerospace engineering seminar series.

All dates for this event occur in the past.

N0056 Scott Lab
201 W. 19th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210
United States

Abstract:
High temperature structural materials are the backbone of turbine engines that are powering highly efficient ground-based power turbines or light-weight, highly durable aeronautical jet engines. In order to achieve the current state-of-the art in Brayton cycle and propulsive efficiency, many challenges have had to be overcome during the last 60 years. As we look to the future, it is clear that the top-level challenges for materials are increasing, driven by ever more stringent requirements from the design community; less tolerance for long, drawn-out development programs; and need for concomitant advances in materials processes and in the supporting industrial base. This presentation highlights the leading edge opportunities for materials in gas turbines, and the challenges that these present to materials developers. The presentation concludes with a new systems engineering development paradigm that emphasizes creativity, reduced development cycle time, and concurrency of manufacturing development that is necessary to successfully meet new challenges. 

 

Bio:
Robert E. Schafrik is the General Manager, Materials and Process Engineering Department at GE Aviation. Responsibilities include development and support of the materials used in GE’s aviation and marine & industrial engines. Prior to joining GE in 1998, he was at the National Research Council where he served as Staff Director, National Materials Advisory Board for 6 years. Bob also served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years in a variety of R&D and advanced aeronautical system acquisition capacities.  Bob has a Ph.D. in metallurgical engineering from Ohio State University.