Surface engineering of chromium films for augmenting bird striking performance of jet engine blades

One of the most hazardous accidents in jet engine is striking of bird into the engine blades during flight. The collision of bird leads to high deformation of blades and other elements which leads to malfunction of jet engine. In recent times, the analysis of bird strike was performed using numerical calculations and software simulations. These tests have to be implemented in the design stage of jet engine. The present research focuses on developing W-Cr (tungsten-chromium) coated jet engine blades as alternate for existing Ti-Ni (titanium-nickel) coated blades. The surface morphology and microstructure of W-Cr were studied using HRTEM. The hardness test was performed to predict material properties such as wear, strength and ductility. The microstructure of W-Cr was analysed using FESEM. In the bird strike analysis, the contact between blade and bird was considered as the important phenomenon.

Automated summary

Bird strike is one of the most hazardous accidents in jet engines, causing deformation and malfunction of blades and other components. Numerical calculations and software simulations are now used for bird strike analysis. This study focuses on developing W-Cr coated jet engine blades as an alternative to the existing Ti-Ni coated blades. HRTEM and FESEM were used to analyze the surface morphology, microstructure, and hardness of W-Cr.