China’s new fast-cooled superalloy engines could power 6th-gen jets

Chinese researchers at Dalian University of Technology have developed a novel superalloy cooling technique that rapidly cools forged turbine discs using a uniform mist of high-speed water jets. This method achieves a cooling speed 3.75 times faster than conventional processes and improves crystal grain size distribution by fourfold. Such advancements enable turbine discs to better withstand extreme temperatures—up to 1,200°C—and mechanical stresses, which are critical for jet engine performance, thrust, efficiency, and lifespan. The breakthrough is seen as a key enabler for China’s next-generation military aviation programs, including sixth-generation stealth fighters and hypersonic platforms. This innovation addresses a longstanding challenge in China’s military aviation: the difficulty in producing reliable, high-performance jet engines, exemplified by delays in the J-20 stealth fighter’s engine development. The new cooling technology, combined with advanced superalloys like the DD6 and the in-development DD9, may help close the technology gap with Western countries. It is particularly relevant for