ProbabilisticAssessmentofFractureMechanicsofLow.docVIP

Probabilistic Assessment of Fracture Mechanics of Low Pressure Turbine Disk Keyway Lieh Chen (陳烈)1, Lih-jier Young(楊立杰)2 and Shih-teng Lin (林士騰), Ta Hwa Institute of Technology, No. 1, Dahua Rd., Qionglin Shiang, Hsinchu County, 307, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: 03-592-7700-2755, Fax: 03-592-6848 Email: ietch@thit.edu.tw 2 Department of Applied Mathematics, Chung-Hua University, No. 707, Sec. 2, Wufu Rd., Hsinchu, 30012, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: 03-518-6392, Fax: 03-518-6435 Email: young@chu.edu.tw, steng.lin@msa.hinet.net Abstract This study presents the development of a fracture mechanics-based probability analysis which can be used to estimate the remaining life of the low pressure turbine against unstable fracture in the rotor disk keyway. Analysis focuses on the stability of crack growth of a semi-elliptical flaw in the rotor disk keyway. The crack stability is judged on the basis of the linear elastic fracture mechanics. Then the Monte Carlo technique is introduced to deal with several random variables. Based on the evaluation results, the probability of failure of observed crack indications can be determined. The inspection interval could be justified. Keywords: Monte Carlo simulation, probabilistic fracture mechanics, stress corrosion cracking, fracture appearance transition temperature 1. Introduction The electric power and the electric component demand have been increasing sharply. However, the new materials which are fully capable of withstanding stress corrosion cracking for large low pressure turbines and rotors have not yet been developed. As an observation, many low pressure turbines are subjected to stress corrosion cracking in wet bore, keyway, and dovetail area experienced wetness in operation. Catastrophic failure of the disk could occur if the cracks grow to critical size. It is, therefore, one of the major concerns for the power industry to limit the probability that disk will burst and generate turbine missiles. Many variables are involved in estimat