Enhancing gas turbine performances: numerical thermal study on the blades using ceramic coating (MgO)

The hot gases produced in the combustion chamber can reach temperatures up to 1600 °C, posing a substantial risk to turbine blades by causing thermal degradation. This damage necessitates frequent maintenance, leading to considerable material waste and requiring significant time and labor. Such issues ultimately reduce turbine efficiency and hinder productivity. To address these challenges, we propose applying a thick ceramic coating, specifically magnesium oxide (MgO), to the turbine blades. This coating would serve as a thermal insulator, protecting the blades from excessive heat and enhancing their durability. To assess the effectiveness of this protective coating, we conducted a combination of analytical and numerical studies. The analytical study utilized the finite-difference method, while the numerical analysis was performed using FLUENT ANSYS. Through these analyses, we monitored temperature distribution within the coated blades and evaluated the ceramic layer’s ability to endure high thermal loads. The findings suggest that the MgO coating offers promising thermal resistance, potentially extending blade life and improving overall turbine performance.