Life and Reliability Software Tools for Turbopropulsion Systems Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-196 Topic Title: Life and Reliability Software Tools for Turbopropulsion Systems Proposal No.: N103-196-0036 Firm: Mustard Seed Software d.b.a. Elder Research, Inc. 300 W. Main St. Suite 301 Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Contact: Simeon Fitch Phone: (434) 973-7673 Web Site: http://mseedsoft.com/ Abstract: We propose to develop an innovative methodology for life and reliability prediction of hot-section components in advanced turbo propulsion systems where the effects of the high heat dwell environment must be predicted accurately. This includes the activation of synergistic time-dependent damage modes-such as creep, stress corrosion, and stress rupture-in the presence of cycle-dependent fatigue crack initiation and growth. The proposed technology focuses on addressing the effects of these time-dependent damage modes in engine disks made from Nickel-based superalloys that could exhibit location-specific microstructures, microstructural variability, or evolution of microstructures after thermal exposures at elevated temperatures for extended time periods. The novel time-dependent fracture algorithm will be integrated with a commercial probabilistic life-prediction code-called DARWINT-thereby complementing and extending a suite of existing reliability analysis tools for turbine engines. This will provide a full-lifecycle reliability analysis tool for aircraft engines being considered in the VAATE program. Benefits: We propose to develop a set of generic time-dependent damage models that will treat creep, stress corrosion, and stress rupture. These models will be incorporated into an existing life-prediction code and utilized to examine the effects of high heat dwell on the life and reliability of Ni-based engine disks in environments where multiple competing time-dependent damage modes operate concurrently with cycle-dependent fatigue mechanisms. This innovative technology would provide a significant improvement over current life-prediction technology, which generally does not address time-dependent crack growth, and fill a critical analysis requirement for the VAATE program. Any industry that relies on advanced turbine designs or other system components exposed to high temperature fatigue can benefit from advanced abilities to predict the life and reliability. For example: � DoD interests in both designing new aircraft and in determining when to schedule maintenance and inspection of existing aircraft � NASA sponsored projects where high-temperature crack growth is a reliability concern � FAA advisory board evaluation of turbine dependability in regulating aircraft maintenance and inspection schedules � Commercial aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers in both design and determining maintenance and inspection schedules � Power companies in both design and maintenance/inspection of gas turbines and supercritical steam turbines We expect a long-term market need for predicting life and reliability during and after design of advanced turbines. Return