Analytical and Experimental Simulation of Fan Blade Behavior and Damage Under Bird Impact

Abstract

An extensive analytical and experimental program has been undertaken to investigate the Foreign Object Damage resistance capabilities of external components for small gas turbofan engines. A transient nonlinear impact analysis has been used to predict the structural response of fan blades under bird ingestion conditions. This analysis is based on finite elements, a three-dimensional bird load model, and an interactive structure-to-bird contact algorithm. Experiments were designed and carried out to record large blade deformations during bird impact, and were used to validate and calibrate the analytical models. The analytical models and testing program are described, and dominant fan blade response and failure modes are presented. Predicted results demonstrate good correlation with tests. Analysis application to fan blade design and other engine components is recommended.