Condition monitoring maintenance of aero-engines through LUMS – A method for the implementation of Lean tools

• We relate the severity of engine operating factors into LCF damages of fan blades.
• We monitor the life usage of critical parts of an engine by LUMS.
• LUMS is designed with interfaces such tacho-generators and thermocouples.
• We are able to forecast an impending failure of critical components.
• It is also easy to estimate the lead time available before such failures.

The airliner operators normally rely on condition monitoring techniques to ascertain the airworthiness state of aero-engine and its components. These techniques are proven tools for forecasting any impending failures and also for optimizing the downtime of maintenance. This paper describes the effectiveness of Life Usage Monitoring Systems for assessing the Low Cycle Fatigue Damages. It also explains how well the LUMS helps the operator to estimate the useful operating life available before any potential failure occurs. Thus, LUMS aids the maintenance planning department to convert the unscheduled maintenance into a scheduled maintenance tasks and also enables the operator to contemplate the possibilities of utilizing the Lean Principles in Planning, Scheduling and Controlling of all Maintenance Tasks.