Design of experiments for verification of computational life prediction methods

The failure of heavily loaded rotating parts of aviation gas turbine engines may bring about dangerous consequences. The life of such parts is limited with the use of computational and experimental methods. Computational life prediction methods that are used without carrying out life-cycle tests of engine parts or assemblies should be substantiated experimentally. The best option for verifying the computational methods is to use the results of cyclic tests of model disks. These tests make it possible to reproduce loading conditions and surface conditions that correspond to those of real disks, and the data on the load history and material properties make it possible to simulate stress-strain behavior of disks under test conditions by calculation. This paper shows the process of planning such tests. It is assumed that the tests will be carried out in two stages - before and after the initiation of a low-cycle fatigue crack. A number of criteria are formulated that the geometry of model disks and their loading conditions are to satisfy. Based on these criteria, model disks were designed and the conditions for their testing were selected.