Keywords
Citation
(1998), "Tripling turbine engine life", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770cab.037
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Tripling turbine engine life
Tripling turbine engine life
Keywords Aircraft industry, Turbines
A co-operative agreement that has the goal of redesigning Allison Engine Co.'s Model 250 gas turbine engine to increase engine life by a factor of two or three has reportedly been signed under the Aerospace industry technology programme. Partners in the agreement include NASA Lewis Research Centre, Allison Engine Co., Howmet Corporation, Cannon Muskegon Corporation and Purdue University.
A major part of the redesign is improvements in the cast integrally bladed turbine wheel, which generates power through rapidly spinning blades. The wheel is a critical component determining how often engines need overhauling. Wheel improvements are to include a tailored casting process, in which airfoils will be directionally solidified; and grain-controlled rims and bores having tailored properties at specific locations. In addition, the wheel is to be fabricated from an advanced superalloy designed for directionally solidified structures. These and other enhancements should reduce thermal strains in the wheel rim, doubling or tripling wheel life.
Allison also plans to improve the compressor, cooling system, and shafting, enabling the engine to be applied in civilian helicopters and US Army armed reconnaissance rotary wing aircraft. Initial production of the Series IV Model 250 turbine is planned for 1997.
Details from Dr Neville I. Marzwell, NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California 91109, USA. Tel: +1 818 354 6543.