MICRO-SCALE SAND PARTICLES WITHIN THE HOT-SECTION OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE

Accumulation and infiltration of molten/ semi-molten sand and the subsequent formation of calcia-magnesia-alumina-silicate (CMAS) deposits in the hot-section of gas turbine engines continues to be a significant problem for aviation assets. This is a complex problem involving thermal, mechanical, and chemical effects across multiple length and time scales. While empirical studies have led to a qualitative understanding, a quantitative understanding/description of the underlying physico-chemical phenomena is lacking. The development of a quantitative model is a significant undertaking. The hot tribo-corrosion of thermal barrier coatings involves complex interactions across thermal, mechanical, and chemical regimes. As part of this effort, the phase behavior (molten, semi-molten, or solid) of contaminant particles within the combustor has been studied using finite element analysis.