Applications- NASA-turbine blade
Microanalysis-engine gasket
High-precision 3D contouring
Investigation of a turbine used by N.A.S.A., which provides power to
the landing system of the space shuttle. The lifetime of the turbine was
not adequate, lasting a few landings, and costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The turbine blades were damaged by resonances produced by the operating
cycle of the turbine.
By using the Holo-Moiré Strain Analyzer, dynamic analysis of stresses
and strains of the turbine blades was possible. The resonant frequencies
of the turbine (up to 55,000 Hz) were determined. The stresses and strains
to the critical areas of the blades were also measured. The images provided
show several stages of resonant modes.
The problem was solved by using two real time holograms in two orthogonal
directions and one contouring hologram. From the tests it was determined
that the design of the turbine blades needed to be changed. The change in design
removed the excitations created by the turbine cycles resonant frequencies.
The final design was tested and proper performace of the turbine was verified.
As a result of our pioneering work, N.A.S.A. was able to increase the turbine's
lifetime significantly thus reducing their costs by an order of magnitude.