Automatic Test Rig and Control for Ceramic Turbine Component Evaluation

This paper describes an automatic, high temperature test rig and control system for accurate and consistent evaluation of ceramic turbine Stators or other stationary flowpath components. A unique feature is an electronic, programmable control system providing automatic thermal cycling and closed loop control of key variables. The basic operating features of the computing section are briefly described showing how digital software can establish various analog control functions, especially those specific to this application. The commissioning of the test rig and control system is discussed and performance characteristics presented.