What happens if you throw sand into a jet engine?

Ever wondered how jet engines keep from melting at 1,500 °C? This video takes you on a behind-the-scenes tour of engine anatomy—from early prototypes to today’s massive Rolls-Royce turbines—explaining compressors, turbines and the magic of nickel superalloys and single-crystal casting that stop those blades from turning into molten goo.

After geeking out over crystal structures and precision-casting wizardry, they crank up a live engine test: sand meets supersonic turbine. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well for the grains, but you’ll be amazed at how much abuse modern engines can take—and why material science is the real star of the show.

Watch on YouTube