Patent — available for licensing
Phase Transformation Strengthened Disk Alloy for Commercial Application
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
High-temperature rotating machinery depends on nickel-based superalloys, such as Inconel®, that can endure sustained stress in hot sections without creeping out of tolerance. However, modern nickel-based superalloys cannot keep up with advancements in efficiency and temperatures of proposed turbine engines. As such, engineers at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed a novel phase transformation strengthened disk alloy (known as Transformation Strengthened NASA Alloys or TSNA-C) engineered specifically for commercial use. It targets core limitations by raising durability at elevated temperatures while maintaining workability using established disk manufacturing methods. This material was developed for hotter compressor-exit environments and efficiency goals that push disks closer to the thermal ceiling of modern alloys. The approach strengthens the material where creep begins, using atomic-scale transformations at specific faults to resist time-dependent deformation and extend usable life. The result is a disk alloy intended to deliver predictable performance in the hottest stages and integrate cleanly with HIP/forge/heat-treat workflows. Internal NASA testing has shown improved temperature capabilities compared to nickel-based superalloys Inconel®, ME3, and Low Solvus High Refractory (LSHR).