In addition to NASA applications, all users and developers of gas turbines will benefit from the ability to achieve improved heat load handling and durability. This includes gas turbines for propulsion (the airline and marine industries) as well as for power generation. The public will then directly benefit through reduced electricity and travel costs. Additionally, as the private sector is now heavily involved in the development of space technologies, high efficiency and durable hot gas components will be applicable to a large number of up and coming private industries.
NASA is a direct user and developer of turbomachines for various applications, primarily for propulsion. As improved efficiency and improved durability are the goals of NASA researchers, the successful implementation of this technology will provide a direct method of achieving both. The proposed innovation will provide increases in efficiency and reductions in fuel burn, through the ability to handle increased working gas temperatures with minimal coolant usage; and durability through the reduction of hot streaks associated with traditional film cooling methods. Additionally, applications such as the film cooling of rocket nozzles will also benefit from the successful implementation of this technology.
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