Field Experience Versus Theory in Turbine Engine Deterioration
This paper describes observations and analysis of data recorded on operating helicopter engines using advanced technology data recording systems. The US Army began the test on TS3 engines in 1986 and expanded it to their T55, T63, T700, and T703 helicopter engines in 1990. These engines have a gas generator with a free turbine for power production. A portable instrumentation system is used to do inflight helicopter engine tests and electronically record performance information. A PC based data analysis system uses artificial intelligence to change the data into diagnostic information for the test engine’s capability to perform the missions. The data output presents this information in an easily understandable format that allows the decision maker to see differences in the condition of individual engines and rank them on their relative capability. The resulting data base clearly shows each engine’s on-condition status. Valid knowledge of each engine’s condition is very valuable as the basis for decisions that direct the limited resources to the least capable engines. Rejection criteria for installed engine deterioration does not fully agree with observed operational behavior. Observations that are different are: (1) a deteriorated engine’s gas generator slows down when running at rated power yet no minimum speed limit exists and (2) a deteriorated engine operates at a lower SFC than a newly overhauled one yet no minimum limit exists, instead, both conditions are considered indications of better engines.