Failure analysis of a gas turbine blade: A review

Abstract

Blade is an essential component of a gas turbine that functions to convert thermal gas energy at a high temperature and pressure into mechanical energy. Gas in the turbine blade works at a high temperature and pressure. High temperatures and pressures cause turbine blades to be one part of turbine components that often fails. Failure of the blade results in performance and turbine efficiency. The cause of failure on the blade is influenced by several factors, including fatigue, creep, oxidation, degradation of the coating on the turbine blade, corrosion, erosion, and surface degradation due to working at high temperatures. The hot temperature on the blades work on turbines around 1927 F to 3500 F and is one of the main factors in the failure rate. Individual blade failure rates differ due to operating temperature, rotation speed, operating mode, total service time, and differences in fabrication. This article discusses several case studies of failure in turbine hot section components such as blades to support the failure investigation is the key to improving turbine efficiency.