DETECTING ABNORMAL TURBINE ENGINE DETERIORATION USING ELECTROSTATIC METHODS

A method of detecting abnormal turbine engine deterioration has been developed and tested. The method observes pulse electrostatic signals in the exhaust which have been determined to originate from component rubbing, chaffing, erosion, and burning (i.e., various forms of deterioration). The normal (healthy engine) deterioration rate is first studied as a function of engine cycling and power. This deterioration rate is then normalized with an engine power and an engine cycling parameter. Tenfold increases in the normalized deterioration rate are then used as an indication of impending component failure. Experience shows that about two out of three turbine engines gas-path failures can be predicted four or more hours ahead of time by this method. The false alarm rate is estimated to be about 5%.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00218669
• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  1290 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Couch, R P
• Publication Date: 1978-10

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 692-695
• Serial:
  • Journal of Aircraft
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 10
  • Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
  • ISSN: 0021-8669
  • Serial URL: https://arc.aiaa.org/journal/ja

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft; Detectors; Electrostatics; Engines; Failure; Mechanical failure; Turbofan engines; Turbojet engines
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aircraft engines; Engine failure
• Old TRIS Terms: Electrostatic charge; Electrostatic detection
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00196065
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 15 1979 12:00AM