Small scale testing & cracking behaviour of Ti LMDp repairs (SMART)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | GKN Aerospace Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 700 000 |
| Project duration | September 2023 - October 2024 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strengthened Swedish aeronautical research and development |
Important results from the project
Yes, we developed a deeper understanding of the small-scale testing method for repaired parts. The cracking behaviour of the repaired parts was investigated, which revealed the strongest and weakest points in the repaired parts.The interface between the substrate and the repaired part was the strongest part, and cracking did not occur at this part at any condition. This is an essential knowledge for further development and implementation of the repair process for aero-engine components.
Expected long term effects
The knowledge gained in SMART is an essential piece in the further development and implementation of repair in aero-engine components. The cracking behavior in the repaired section raised attention to further assessment and optimization of the repair process and post-processing (LMDp and heat treatment process). Development of the repair processes is a vital step towards more sustainability in the aerospace sector.
Approach and implementation
SMART provided a deeper understanding of the feasibility of the LMDp repair process for forged Ti components in the jet engine. This is a piece of essential knowledge for GKN in order to make decisions on the next stage of repair process development for their components. The small-scale testing method has been developed and is being optimized for future testing of other components in similar cases.