Summary of NASA Research on Thermal-Barrier Coatings

Abstract

This paper summarizes the work conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center to evolve and eval-

A review of testing methods for thermal spray coatings

“…The success of the two-layered thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) found in modern gas turbine engines can be attributed to the use of a nickel-based (NiCrAlY) bond coat. 110,111 NiCrAlY bond coats have been extensively used in TBCs for two reasons; first to help accommodate differences in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between ceramic topcoats and metal substrates. This compliant layer partially accommodates thermal stresses in the TBCs during the cyclic thermal operating conditions.…”

A tragic fire in Kensington, London

“…The point here is not that we should simply turn the clock back to the state of affairs that existed before the introduction of the modern welfare state; rather, had the emphasis remained on personal responsibility, advances in knowledge (reinforced by the availability of universal education), which in turn led to many other advances such as in medicine, could have made the path of individual and social development very different and avoided the general weakening of motivation that universal welfare seems to engender. A striking feature of Britain's economy 6 nowadays is the tendency to outsource service activities. It seems to be considered an advantage (to the organization with ultimate responsibility, OUR) of this system that it circumscribes complaints and criticisms, shielding the person or organization with ultimate responsibility from the unpleasantness of having to deal with them.…”

“…No real work needs to be done in exchange; essential tasks are carried out by a vast number of foreigners, well over 1 million. 6 Many or most of the features can be found in many or most of the developed economies of the world. Presumably they are initially introduced because of some economic advantage and, hence, will in due course be followed elsewhere because of the continuous competitive pressure among countries to remain at the forefront.…”

“…Over time the situation changed; the ADE-651 "bomb detector", widely deployed in Iraq, but which had a purely chrematistic function and no bomb detection capability at all (its supplier, James McCormick, was convicted of fraud in 2013), became more representative of the contemporary way of doing business. It was decided to refurbish Grenfell Tower and a significant part (about 30%) was to be spent on fitting panels to the exterior façade (just over 3000 m²) with both a cosmetic and thermal insulating function (the option of spraying the building with thermally insulating material [6] was not, apparently, considered). Architects Studio E initially (2013) specified KMP Architectural Solutions' "Proteus" panels with a metallic core but Rydon, 9 which oversaw the project, decided to commission Harley Facades Ltd 10 to supply and fit considerably cheaper Omni Exteriors' "Reynobond" panels-and not even the "FR" (fire-resistant) variety, but the even cheaper "PE" (polyethylene) type.…”