Failure analysis of jet engine turbine blade

Abstract

Jet engine turbine blade cast by investment precision casting of Ni-base superalloy, which failed during exploatation, was the subject of investigation. Failure analysis was executed applying optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using replica technique, scaning electron microscopy (SEM) and stress rupture life tests. On the ground of obtained results it was concluded that the failure occurred as a result of structural changes caused by turbine blade overheating above the exploitation temperature.

Keywords

• Jet engine turbine blade, Ni-base superalloy, Failure, Microstructural characterization
• TEM
• Stress rupture life