An oxidation model for predicting the life of titanium alloy components in gas turbine engines

The excellent combination of lightweight and good mechanical properties makes the titanium alloys more attractive for fabrication of gas turbine engine components. However, titanium alloys readily absorb oxygen when exposed in air at elevated temperatures, leading to α-case formation and oxidation. It severely limits the high temperature capability of titanium alloys with respect to mechanical properties and causes failures during service. In order to extend the use of titanium alloys for gas turbine engine compressor components, it is essential to understand the properties of titanium alloys before introducing into service. In the present paper, an oxidation model has been developed based on the experimental observations, to predict the life of the components fabricated from the titanium alloys. The results show that there is a very good agreement between the measured and predicted values and no assumptions are required. The developed model is very simple, easy to apply, promising, and is found to be extremely useful.