Tools for Reliable Modeling of Crack Propagation In Turbine Engine Metallic Components

This Phase I SBIR will provide a flexible and expandable system for the simulation of crack propagation in structures focusing on turbine engine metallic components. The work here will build off of years of work already invested in developing such a system. The software will be designed to be easily incorporated into existing design processes by directly utilizing CAD design geometry and existing commercial finite element analysis software. The current software will be extended to incorporate probabilistic techniques for predicting component life considering variations in both component properties and operating conditions. BENEFIT: The failure of engineered structures due to propagation of cracks has caused many highly visible and costly accidents in recent years in structures ranging from bridges to aircraft. Better understanding of this failure mode and ease of evaluating the potential for such failures is critical to improving the design of a wide range of products. The software developed in this project will be specifically designed for easy integration with existing design processes to reduce unexpected failures and allow further optimization of structures to reduce weight and cost.