Oxide dispersion strengthened alloy

Oxide dispersion strengthened alloys (ODS) are used for high temperature turbine blades and heat exchanger tubing.^[1] Alloys of nickel are the most common but work is being done on iron aluminum alloys.^[2] ODS steels are used in nuclear applications.^[3]

ODS materials are used on space crafts as a layer designed to protect the vehicle, especially during re-entry into the atmosphere. Also, noble metal alloy ODS materials, for example, platinum-based alloys, are used in glass production.

When it comes to re-entry at hypersonic speeds, the properties of gasses change dramatically. Shock waves that can cause serious damage on any structure are created. Also at these speeds and temperatures, oxygen becomes very aggressive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages:

• Can be machined, brazed, formed, cut with available processes.
• Develops a protective oxide layer that is self-healing.
• This oxide layer is stable and has a high emission coefficient.
• Allows the design of thin-walled structures (sandwich).
• Resistant to harsh weather conditions in the troposphere.
• Low maintenance cost.
• Low material cost.

Disadvantages:

• It has a higher expansion coefficient than other materials, causing higher thermal stresses.
• Higher density.
• Lower maximum allowable temperature.

See also

• Superalloy

References