Measuring Microparticle Impact Characteristics under Realistic Gas Turbine Conditions

Gas turbines can be exposed to microparticle ingestion throughout their lifespan due to the harsh conditions, like deserts, in which many of them operate. Microparticles can wear out turbine blades and clog cooling holes which may result in the failure of the blade. To measure the interaction of microparticles with turbine components the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is used. The objective of this research is to find the COR of these particle interactions at realistic gas turbine conditions using the VT Aerothermal Rig. The rig has recently been updated to be able to run safely up to 800°C. Test have been conducted at four different temperatures (25°C, 260°C, 600°C, and 800°C), using 10-20 μm and 20-40μm Arizona Road Dust on both stainless steel and Inconel coupons. Each of these tests were run at six different coupon angles (30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70° and 80°). These tests have shown that the COR decreases when the temperature and