Evaluation Of Foreign Object Damage On The Fan Blades with Microscopic Techniques

Abstract

Foreign object damage (FOD) is a common problem in gas turbine engines, particularly in the fan and compressor blades. FOD generally occurs when hard body particles are ingested into an aero-engine fan and compressor blade. High-speed impact on fan titanium alloy blades leads to foreign object damage, which weakens the fatigue performance of the blades. It is important to note that FOD can also cause damage that is not visible to the naked eye, such as internal cracks or fatigue damage. Therefore, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to detect and prevent FOD damage in gas turbine engines. Also using a microscope for the inspection of blades is important. Proper examination of blades damaged by foreign or domestic object can shed light on blade status and prevent further damage in the future. Here are some of the benefits of using a microscope for blade inspection: Microscopes can provide high magnification and resolution, allowing for detailed inspection of the blade surface and any defects or damage. Microscopes can help detect and identify small cracks, chips, or other forms of damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. Microscopes can provide accurate measurements of the blade's dimensions, which can be important for quality control and maintenance purposes. Microscopes can help identify the root cause of any damage or wear on the blade, which can inform future design and manufacturing decisions. Microscopes can provide visual documentation of the blade's condition, which can be useful for tracking changes over time and for communicating with other stakeholders. Overall, using a microscope for blade inspection can help ensure the safety, reliability, and performance of gas turbine engines and other equipment that relies on blades. In this study, a comparison was made between visual inspection, borescope control, stereo microscope and SEM-EDX microscope methods used in the detection and removal of foreign material damage. The advantages and disadvantages of these 4 methods are comparatively examined and presented to the attention of the reader.