Aircraft engine inspection

Journal Article · Wed Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Aerospace Engineering; (USA)

OSTI ID:6452652

Burkel, R H ^[1]

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1. GE Aircraft Engines, Cincinnati, OH (USA)

The inspection of new and in-service parts such as compressor blades is integral to the operations of engine manufacturers and operators alike. Subject to cracking from high temperatures and stresses, these blades must be inspected for minute cracks and surface-connected porosity at regular periods, during their entire service life. Conventional manual fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) is the generally accepted method for detecting these surface flaws. However, results can vary substantially, depending on the inspector's skill, experience, and human error factors. The USAF has initiated development of an integrated blade inspection system that calls for automated X-ray and infrared blade inspection systems, which have been developed along with automated FPI. Further developments have allowed all of the processing steps to be handled automatically and has led to replication of the human inspector's process of both scanning the part and evaluating any discrepancies. Finally, success with advanced FPI systems is leading to research for a larger automated system which would be capable of detecting surface flaws in larger engine parts, such as turbofan disks, compressors, and turbines.

• OSTI ID: 6452652
• Journal Information: Aerospace Engineering; (USA), Journal Name: Aerospace Engineering; (USA) Vol. 10; ISSN AEOEA; ISSN 0736-2536
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420500* -- Engineering-- Materials Testing
AIRCRAFT
COMPRESSOR BLADES
CRACKS
ENGINES
FIBER OPTICS
FLUORESCENCE
INSPECTION
LIQUID PENETRANT INSPECTION
LUMINESCENCE
MAINTENANCE
MATERIALS TESTING
NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING
STRESSES
TESTING
THERMAL STRESSES