NDE based accumulated life assessment of turbine disks

The proposed concept to be developed under this Phase II STTR is a novel ultrasonic measurement technique which will be used to determine the remaining life of turbine disks. The result of this program will be a field inspection instrument that will determine the fatigue state of a component under test. It will be able to assess the integrated pre-crack fatigue experience of the part and determine the current stage of the part as it progresses to having unacceptable remaining life. Using nonlinear acoustic derivatives, Luna will perform fatigue life measurements on AL 6061 and IN-718 materials. Collaborating with Pennsylvania State University, Luna will develop the required theory and measurement technique. The cost savings resulting from this project, if successful, will be substantial measured in life extension and labor hours.