Lecture 14 : Creep – Resistant Steel , Case Study

Introduction Typical operating parameters for steels used in the manufacture of power plant are compared against corresponding values for nickel alloys in aeroengines, in Table 1. In both cases, the service conditions are severe. But this is especially so for steels where the service life is many decades. The degree of reliability demanded of heat resistant steels is therefore extraordinary, and must represent one of the highest achievements of technology. By contrast, computers, which are frequently identified with advanced technology, seldom last for more than two years and are generally obsolete at the point of installation!