Advanced Blade-Damping Coatings

The turbine engine industry is seeking new ‘dual-use’ coating systems that can provide damping resistance with improved erosion resistance. Hard ceramic coatings applied by thermal spraying process have the potential to achieve the required damping and erosion characteristics. The proposed Phase I project involves developing a damping coating system consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNT) reinforced magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) on titanium substrates by plasma spraying process. Reinforcements of CNTs are expected to enhance the erosion resistance of Al-Mg-Spinel coatings with added improvement in damping resistance to engine turbine components. The plasma spray process parameters will be optimized to obtain coatings with enhanced damping resistance, erosion resistance, and resistance to high cycle fatigue. Coatings will be evaluated by microscopy, room temperature erosion tests, and damping measurements. This research can lead to a new class of nanostructure damping materials with enhanced mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Results from this research program will enhance the reliability, durability, and overall performance of both commercial and military aircraft turbine engines.