What material are bleed air manifolds typically made from to withstand high pressures and temperatures?

Bleed air manifolds are typically made from stainless steel due to its advantageous properties that make it suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. Stainless steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, and the ability to maintain structural integrity even under extreme thermal conditions. These characteristics are essential for components exposed to hot, pressurized air, as they must prevent failures that could lead to system malfunctions or safety hazards.

While aluminum is lightweight and can be effective in some applications, it generally lacks the thermal resistance required for bleed air applications where temperatures can be significantly high. Copper, while excellent for thermal conductivity, is not as effective in high-pressure operations due to its tendency to deform under such conditions. Plastic is not suitable for this type of environment, as it would likely warp or degrade under the intense heat and pressure of the bleed air system. Thus, stainless steel is the material of choice for maintaining reliability and safety in bleed air manifold applications.