COST: Advanced materials for power engineering components
The International Conference at KFA (Julich, Germany) on 13-14 October 1992, organized in the context of COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology), dealt with the development of advanced materials for power engineering components and the importance of such research to this high-added-value industry. The effectiveness of a European approach which allies collaborative working with precompetitive research was amply demonstrated during the conference. Papers presented over the two days described a number of significant achievements: - A new low alloy steel forging for compact steam turbines; - Large directionally solidified blades for advanced gas turbines; - Steam boiler headers produced from powder to eliminate fabrication costs; - Rotor forgings and castings for steam turbines in new alloys with increased temperature capability; - Improved thermal barrier coatings for high-efficiency diesel engines. The conference also marked the 20th Anniversary of the beginning of COST concerted action research in Europe. Initial collaborative work focussed on gas turbine materials and was succeeded in 1982 by the more broadly-based COST 501 project which embraces all aspects of power engineering materials. The success of COST 501 has encouraged the development of concerted action projects in other areas of materials and there are now about a dozen such projects either running or in preparation. COST materials research is seen to be a major activity with a key strategic role in support of high technology manufacturing industry in Europe. The current phase of COST 501 (1989-1993) represents 500 man-years of effort directed towards improved materials for critical components in gas and steam turbines, boilers, coal gasification and combustion and diesel engines. In the third round of COST 501, due to begin in 1992, a significant contribution is also anticipated from countries of Central and Eastern Europe.
Countries
Germany