Extension of the Usable Engine Life by Modelling and Monitoring
Abstract
After providing some commonly used definitions of fracture critical parts, the influence of improved calculation methods on the design of such components is shown. Various approaches to the determination of usable fatigue life are discussed, particularly the classical safe life philosophy and approaches exploiting the damage tolerance of components. Within this general framework there exist various possible lifing policies, that have to he discussed and agreed between the engine manufacturer, the users and the regulatory agencies. The methods for life usage management may be adapted to changing environments, taking into account the experience gained during operational usage. The introduction of recording or monitoring systems makes it possible to calculate the actual life usage of individual components or at least to determine the scatter of usage within an aircraft fleet. These results enable a specific exploitation of the life potential of the parts without giving rise to an increased risk. The use of the life potential beyond the safe crack initiation life requires experimental and computational methods to gain insight into the fracture mechanical processes governing crack propagation. The corresponding results can also be used to determine inspection intervals tat ensure a detection of cracks before those cracks start uncontrolled growth Results from an on board life usage monitoring system used by the German air force are presented. An outline of the tasks of usage monitoring is given. Finally some remarks on fleet management are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP010771
Entities
People
- Hugo Pfoertner