Assessment of current turbine engine high cycle fatigue test methods

Testing of turbine engine components to verify structural durability goals is performed in a variety of ways and at a variety of facilities. Further, methods used differ between engine companies and even among engine programs within the same company. A recent emphasis on reducing high cycle fatigue (HCF) failures of engine components has made it obvious that improvements and standardisation of HCF test methods are needed. This paper presents findings from an assessment of current HCF test approaches and identifies weaknesses that form the basis for recommending improvements. Weaknesses identified included data processing, mode identification, and selection of instrumentation locations.