Failure Analysis of Nozzle Guide Vane of a Low Pressure Turbine in an Aero Gas Turbine Engine

Failure of low pressure turbine nozzle guide vane (NGV) in an aero gas turbine engine is analyzed to determine its root cause. Forensic and metallurgical investigations are carried out on the NGV failed as well as the failed components of the downstream modules. Failure in the cooling system in the NGV due to crack in the sealing plate was found to be the cause of NGV getting burnt. This failure has caused extensive damages in low pressure turbine modules. Remedial measures are also suggested to prevent such failures.