CONTACT:
Klaus Brun, Ph.D.
Gas Turbine Technology
(210) 522-5449
E-mail: Klaus Brun
(Espaņol)

link to gas turbine technology experience
link to gas turbine technology technical papers and presentations
link to root cause blade failure diagnosis tutorial
link to gas turbine technology brochure
link to gas turbine technology contacts
link to gas turbine technology and SwRI company information
link to gas turbine technology home page

link to international gas turbine institute website
link to western turbine users, inc. website

KEY TERMS:
coatings
superalloys
blades or buckets
vanes or nozzles
hot section parts
lifing
coating and
material
degradation
materials and
coatings
evaluation
refurbishment
condition
assessment
failure analysis
gas turbines

Gas Turbine Technology
Life Management and 
Extension Studies

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) performs several Life Management and Extension (LM&E) Studies for hot section components of various turbines. The methodology for LM&E includes:

  • Condition Assessment

    • Material and coating degradation

    • Material properties evaluation

    • Nondestructive evaluation

  • Stress Analysis

    • Mechanical analysis

    • Aero and thermal stress analysis

    • Vibration analysis and frequency testing

  • Life Evaluation

    • Failure modes

    • Life evaluation methodology

The Institute performs condition assessments of hot section components to evaluate the extent of base material and coating degradation and to help clients make run, repair, and replacement decisions.

The Institute has developed algorithms and computerized programs for life prediction, life management, and life extension of gas turbine engines to increase component usage, maximize engine availability, and reduce maintenance costs.

SwRI has also developed methodologies and software to predict the life of gas turbine hot section blades for GE frame gas turbines. Extensive materials testing of new and service-exposed components was conducted to develop pertinent material properties, which were used in the life assessment algorithm and software, GTD LIFE. Using these data in their turbine fleet life management program, clients can realize economic gains by prudently scheduling the inspection and maintenance intervals while maintaining good availability and reliability of their engines.

For more information about gas turbine technology or life management and extension studies capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Klaus Brun, Ph.D. at kbraun@swri.org or (210) 522-5449.


Materials Engineering Department
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Southwest Research Institute® (SwRI®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.