The core application value of high-temperature alloys in the field of defense equipment

The extreme service environment of defense equipment imposes stringent requirements on material properties. Conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, corrosion, and vibration loads directly determine the combat effectiveness and reliability of the equipment. High-temperature alloys, as key materials with excellent high-temperature strength, oxidation resistance, and fatigue resistance, are widely used in core fields such as aerospace, naval propulsion, and weaponry. They serve as the core support for enhancing the localization and high-performance of defense equipment, demonstrating irreplaceable strategic value.
The aerospace industry is a core application scenario for high-temperature alloys, and their performance directly limits the power ceiling of fighter jets and spacecraft. In military aero-engines, key components such as turbine blades and guide vanes must operate stably at temperatures above 1000°C and under extreme stress. Nickel-based superalloys, with their precise composition control and sophisticated forming processes, have become the preferred material for such components. For example, Inconel 718 alloy achieves high strength at high temperatures through precipitation strengthening mechanisms. It is used in engine turbine disks, casings, and other components, which can increase the engine’s thrust-to-weight ratio by more than 20%, significantly enhancing the maneuverability and endurance of fighter jets. It is an important material guarantee for the localization of advanced fighter jets.
In naval ship propulsion systems, high-temperature alloys provide support for the concealment and endurance of naval vessels. Components such as the core components of nuclear reactors and heat transfer tubes of steam generators in nuclear submarines must withstand high temperatures, high pressures, and intense radiation corrosion environments. Grades like Hastelloy C-22 and MONEL 400, with their excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature stability, can effectively resist corrosive media within the nuclear reactor, ensuring long-term safe operation of the reactor, while reducing the maintenance frequency of the propulsion system and enhancing the underwater concealment and cruise capabilities of nuclear submarines. The use of high-temperature alloys in gas turbine turbine components of conventional naval ships has significantly improved thermal efficiency, reduced fuel consumption by 15%, and significantly increased endurance range.
In the field of weaponry and equipment, high-temperature alloys contribute to enhancing the combat performance and durability of weapon systems. Components such as the barrel and breech of large-caliber artillery, which are subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure gas scouring during firing, can effectively resist thermal fatigue and wear by using precipitation-strengthened high-temperature alloys. This extends the service life of the barrel by more than three times and reduces the risk of equipment failure during wartime. In addition, components such as the combustion chamber and nozzle of missile engines need to maintain structural integrity under short-term ultra-high temperature conditions. The combined application of high-temperature alloys and composite materials can meet the requirements of high-speed flight and precision strikes for missiles.
As defense equipment upgrades towards hypersonic, long-endurance, and high-reliability, the performance requirements for high-temperature alloys continue to rise. China’s independent research and development breakthroughs in the field of high-temperature alloys have broken the foreign technology monopoly, laying a material foundation for the localization of advanced fighter jets, nuclear submarines, missiles, and other equipment. In the future, through technological innovations such as powder metallurgy and directional solidification, high-temperature alloys will further break through performance bottlenecks, providing stronger material support for the modernization of national defense forces.