Researchers at Samara University named after Korolev have developed an experimental sample of plasma coating to protect rocket and aircraft engines. It looks like chainmail made of disc-shaped scales less than 0.5 mm thick.
Scientists believe that this coating will help extend the service life of units, and in the future will allow the creation of more powerful engines.
The press service of the university explained that we are talking about a nanostructured thermal barrier coating that protects engine parts from the negative effects of extreme temperatures. The innovation is expected to increase the service life of hot section engine parts by 2-3 times.
In addition, plasma coating can be used for small-sized gas turbine engines, which are installed on some types of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Scientists are testing the "chainmail" by heating it to the operating temperatures of gas turbine engines, and then cooling it to ambient temperature. Thus, Samara researchers determine the thermal fatigue and durability of the coating. The tests will take at least six months, the university press service summarized.
