AV6JT

iTrader: (1)

Hey Guys,

Im not sure if anyone is interested but I am a Chemical and Material Science and Engineer and was wondering if anyone has heard of the new material technology that the automotive industry is trying to implement. Specifically the turbo rotor and bearings are the parts that will be effected when replaced with Silicon Nitride. The upside of this new material is that they are essentially "frictionless" and will decrease lag by decreasing the response time by 35%! Also since Silicon Nitride is able to withstand high stress turbo's that are implemented with these parts may safely run higher boost! This new technology has been tested and is now in the phase of industrially manufacturing!

Just a FIY for those who are bored and may be interested

f1av8trfan

It is sometimes called a ceramic and I believe they have been using it in turbo bearings and rocker arms for several years. It has been used on the Shuttle engine turbo-pump bearings for the oxygen and hydrogen since 2001.

AV6JT

iTrader: (1)

yeh i know it is a ceramic and MOST bearings for turbos are NOT silicon nitride.. it still is not industrially produced as of yet..

f1av8trfan

Perhaps you are talking about a different compound. NASA has been using Si3N4 for a long time.

Turbonetics uses Silicon Nitride bearings in their turbochargers. From their webpage;

"Forged from the extreme conditions of racing environments, Turbonetics patented bearing technology has revolutionized turbocharger standards of durability and performance. Turbonetics offers a patented Angular-Contact Ceramic Ball Bearing design. This Turbonetics exclusive design is made with almost indestructible silicone-nitride ceramic *****. A conventional unit has a capacity of 60-80 lbs. of dynamic thrust load. The patented Turbonetics design can withstand anywhere from 1000 to 2500 lbs. of loading depending on the family size."

There also several NASA White papers on development of Silicon Nitride. Just google it.