What materials are typically used in the construction of turbine engines?

Turbine engines require materials that can withstand extreme temperatures and stress conditions, making the choice of construction materials critical for optimal performance. Titanium, nickel alloys, and composite materials are commonly employed in their construction due to their high strength-to-weight ratios and excellent heat resistance.

Titanium is favored for components that need to resist oxidation at high temperatures while being lightweight. Nickel alloys, particularly superalloys, are engineered to maintain their strength and integrity in extreme heat and corrosive environments, which is essential for the engine's hot section, including the turbine and combustion chambers. Composite materials are increasingly used, especially in fan blades and cases, because they provide substantial weight savings and can be designed to handle specific thermal and mechanical stresses.

In contrast, options involving aluminum and steel, while useful in various applications, do not possess the necessary high-temperature performance and corrosion resistance demanded by the hot sections of turbine engines. Plastic and rubber materials lack the structural integrity needed in a turbine engine's harsh operating environment, and copper and bronze do not provide the mechanical properties required for components subjected to high levels of thermal and mechanical stress.