Modeling the Impact of Silica Particle Ingestion on Turbomachinery Life

ABSTRACT: RJ Lee Group, Inc., in partnership with experts from Hamler Test and Analysis, Inc., and in collaboration with GE Aviation, proposes to develop a Decision Support Tool (DST) to model the cumulative effects on component service life by CMAS (calcium-magnesium-aluminum-silicon oxide) on jet engine components. Phase I will focus on the characterization of ingestible silica particles consisting of sand or volcanic ash ; analyzing engine components that have been subjected to CMAS in a controlled, simulated engine environment; and development of a modeling concept that will provide the foundation to build a service life appraisal tool in Phase II. Ultimately, we foresee a commercial modeling tool (the DST) that can be used to estimate the remaining service life based on CMAS particle accumulation, cooling disruption, thermal barrier erosion and other compromised conditions such as alteration of the thermal conductivity of the thermal barrier coatings (TBC) and engine balance. BENEFIT: The potential benefits is a robust model that can be patented and commercialized to potential jet engine manufactures as well as large airlines for maintenance purposes.