Physics
High-Entropy Alloys for Extreme-Environment Turbine Blades
Quick fact
The concept of high-entropy alloys emerged in 2004, but a 2016 Japanese patent application for a high-entropy alloy turbine blade sparked global interest in applying these blends to real aerospace components.
Why this is interesting
Jet engines and power turbines push metal to the brink of melting. What if the secret to surviving that heat isn't a traditional alloy, but a chaotic mix of elements that's stronger than the sum of its parts?