The turbine has many advantages over other prime movers for producing power. The first turbine used water as the working fluid and this principle is still used in hydro-electric power generation. The steam turbine was developed late in the nineteenth century and was first applied to marine propulsion by Parsons in 1897. Since that time it has become the most widely used prime mover in electricity generation and marine propulsion. The equipment required to generate steam is bulky however and it was realised that much more compact power plant could be designed if the hot gases used for steam...

This concise survey describes the requirements on materials operating in high-temperature environments and the processes that increase the temperature capability of metals, ceramics, and composites. The major part deals with the applicable materials and their specific properties, with one entire chapter devoted to coatings. Written for engineering and science students, researchers, and managers in industry.