Producing Centrifugal Castings for Gas Turbine Compressor Casings: Details of the Firth‐Vickers' Programme, Sponsored by the Ministry of Aviation, Which Has Resulted in Substantial Savings of Time and Money Following the Adoption of the ‘Casting to Shape’ Techniques

TODAY, aircraft gas turbine engines are being developed to give over 28,000 lb. thrust and, while low‐pressure compressor casings can be made from a magnesium‐alloy casting, the operating conditions of high‐pressure compressors demand high‐tcnsilc stainless steel. The operating temperature of a high‐pressure compressor, for example, may be about 450 deg. C, and certain specifications call for minimum ultimate tensile strengths of 135,000 lb./sq. in. with 10 percent minimum elongation at room temperature, with appropriate stress‐rupture and creep properties at elevated temperatures.