Integrally Bladed Rotor (IBR) Maintenance and Life Management

Blade Diagnostics Corporation will integrate a new capability into its Mistuning Inspection Machine so that the effect of aerodynamic as well as structural mistuning can be evaluated when inspecting blend repairs on the F119 1st stage fan. This Smart BlendTM technology will transform the MIM into a virtual engine test for blended blades. Consequently, at the end of this effort a technology will be in place that will allow the DoD to use relatively low cost blending operations to repair a larger number of IBRs/Blisks while reducing the likelihood of HCF failure from mistuning. This capability fits directly with the goals of the DoD’s VAATE program and the P-SAR initiative. With Pratt &Whitney as an active participant in the program, there is every expectation that the capability developed in this SBIR will be promptly transitioned to operational service to meet what are already important Air Force needs. The proposed technology has dual use potential in that it can also be applied to commercial as well as military engines.