Analysis of Malfunctioning of Centrifugal Compressor of Starter Engine of an Aircraft

Abstract

During aircraft startup, abnormal noise was heard at 100-200 RPM and the aircraft was switched off. On detailed inspection, damage and deformation was found inside the starter fairing, intakes and tail pipe. The failure analysis revealed that the damages were due to the engagement of some stock during rotation, which could be an internal engine’s object. The failure of the bearing inner race was subsequent. The fracture features of shaft were similar to the torsional overload; the fracture was started from a notched region. It was also the consequence of internal object damage.