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High cycle fatigue in aircraft gas turbines—an industry perspective

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Abstract

The largest single cause of component failures in modern military aircraft gas turbine engines is high cycle fatigue (HCF), exceeding the number attributed to low cycle fatigue, corrosion, overstress, manufacturing processes, mechanical damage, and materials. The HCF problem is a pervasive one, affecting all engine sections and a wide range of materials. In addition to the impact on engine component reliability, HCF problems cause significant economic impacts through field inspection and maintenance actions, and reduced readiness reliability.

This paper presents an overview, from an industry perspective, of the current, highly empirical approach for assessing the HCF capability. Complicating factors that must be addressed which affect engine HCF material capability are also described. Future directions which would improve the current approach are outlined, emphasizing incorporation of fracture mechanics. Technical challenges which must be addressed to successfully implement use of fracture mechanics for HCF are described, and areas of research recommended.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials and Mechanics Engineering, Pratt Whitney, P.O. Box 109600, 33410-9800, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA

    B. A. Cowles

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  1. B. A. Cowles
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Cowles, B.A. High cycle fatigue in aircraft gas turbines—an industry perspective. Int J Fract 80, 147–163 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00012667

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00012667

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