GE scientist creates new fuel-saving material

A true scientist pioneer. Kudos to GE also, most companies just want to use some elses technology to get rich off instead of risking money on R&D

GE says that by 2020, as more components are made with this material, engine thrust could be increased by 25 percent and fuel consumption could improve by 10 percent — extraordinary gains for a technology that counts a single percentage point of improvement as a huge advance. It will also almost certainly be used in gas-fired power plants and perhaps in nuclear reactors as well.

Wow. Pretty significant gains. Mr. Luthra is a fine example of the old 1% inspiration 99% perspiration quote. I am looking forward to much shorter flights to NYC in the near future. Great work!

The Chinese will steal the process and begin selling jet engines for ¥50,000, plus 8% consumption tax.

Nice. About time we updated our engine tech!

Not mentioned in the article, but I would think that this material may eventually make its way into the engines of cars, trucks, and locomotives. Cutting the weight of an engine, while improving its ability to tolerate heat, is an engineer's dream.

If the cost is low enough, this material could replace most metals used in cars.

Impressive. Even though it's taken decades Mr. Luthra finally succeeded.

It's already bearing fruit--upcoming General Electric GE9X engine on the upcoming Boeing 777X models will likely use this material. Imagine the passenger/cargo load of the 747-400 but with nearly 1,000 nautical miles more range and 25% lower fuel burn on a per-passenger basis.

a plasma vapour disposition reactor is used to make fake diamonds at high temperatures, which is used as a coating on the tips of drill bits etc. So the technique itself isn't really new, but the materials and application are. Sounds great!

This is good for specialized parts, but not likely practical for large structures. In a car for example, this may be useful for the frame if it's stronger and lighter, but not for every other part connected to it. Rarely is a large manufacturing company now a single company. Industry uptake will depend on the time and cost and how many third party suppliers use it.