Objectives

To develop robust test methods for

1. Evolution of metal wastage under varying corrosive atmospheres
2. Behaviour of materials under the combined influence of corrosive atmospheres and heat flux
3. Behaviour of metals under thermal cycles

Summary

The acceptance of materials for extended duration applications in high temperature plant requires several stages of testing and data generation. The first stage can eliminate materials that are grossly unsuitable for the application but does not differentiate between materials that have broadly acceptable properties. These materials usually need to be tested in a pilot plant costing in excess of £100K for test durations of one month. The availability of an intermediate step, involving laboratory testing with some features of plant, will provide a cost-effective route to more informed decisions on material selection and lifetime predictions.