Life Assessment of an HP-IP Rotor Under Creep Service Conditions

A CrMoV high and intermediate-pressure (HP-IP) rotor exhibited in-service cracking in the blade groove walls. Cracks initiated from a notch and propagated under creep conditions to a depth of 0.255 in. (6.5 mm). The total life of the groove walls is predicted by applying a life prediction approach that accounts for both crack initiation and propagation. Crack initiation life is based on short-term creep tests extrapolated to long times using a time-temperature parameter. Crack propagation time is estimated using a newly developed time-dependent fracture mechanics concept