Prediction of Gas Turbine Blade Life: An Interdisciplinary Engineering Approach for Condition-Based Maintenance

Abstract

Realistic assessment of the remaining serviceable life in turbine hot section components plays an important role in engine condition-based maintenance and overhaul. This paper presents application of an engineering approach that integrates mechanical and performance engineering with metallurgy for turbine blade remaining life on-line assessment. By identifying the life limiting factors in a given application and monitoring the rate of the damage, economical repair, replacement and overhaul intervals can be established. Examples are given to illustrate application of this engineering approach in identifying failure mechanisms and predicting blade remaining serviceable life for TransCanada PipeLines LM1600 fleet.