Many modern gas turbine blades are protected by thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). However, these coatings themselves can crack, exposing the base metal to environmental attack. Research has shown that where the coating is cracked, environmental attack of the interdiffusion zone and base metal occurs, resulting in spallation of the coating and preferential grain boundary attack. Once the coating fails, the underlying superalloy becomes vulnerable to rapid oxidation and crack propagation.
University students and researchers.
: Establishing baseline parameters for new engine concepts. Gasturb Crack
Choosing materials with high resistance to fatigue, corrosion, and thermal stress can mitigate the risk of cracking. Many modern gas turbine blades are protected by
Techniques such as welding, brazing, or applying composite patches can be used to repair cracks, depending on their location and size. Once the coating fails, the underlying superalloy becomes
Modeling power output for helicopters and propeller-driven aircraft.