Silicon Nitride in Automobile and Aircraft Engines

Silicon nitride rotors have proved superior to steel rotors in this application. The advantage of silicon nitride lies in its low density which allows lower torque, more rapid acceleration, and reduced lag (the silicon 

Diesel engines, particularly for trucks, may soon be required to operate for up to one million miles. This almost mandates the use of ceramics, specifically silicon nitride, in several components. A recent joint Japanese-American effort (NGK Spark Plug Co. and Garrett Automotive Group) involves the development and production of a large rotor for use in the turbochargers of (Caterpillar Inc. s 400-hp diesel truck engines. The part has an outside diameter of 9.6 cm.t l Other silicon-nitride components for 

---