Progress in ceramic component fabrication technology

Net shape techniques have been used in the production of rotating and static vehicular engine high-temperature components composed of sintered Alpha-SiC (SASC). Injection-molded rotors have been cold spin tested, as well as a slip-cast combustor assembly hot rig. SASC pistons and cylinder liners have also been constructed for an opposed piston, two-cycle diesel test rig while test results are presented. An uncooled, minimum-friction internal combustion engine with multi-fuel capability due to its elevated combustion temperatures appears to be achievable in the near term by means of SASC techniques. The flexural strength of SASC at 1500 C is 446 MPa, identical to that at room temperature, and excellent strength retention has been demonstrated after 3500 hours of cyclic exposure.