Experience From Expansion of On-Board Maintenance for Marine Gas Turbines

Abstract

Extensive fleet operational experience now exists for the LM2500 marine gas turbine engine. Based upon this experience, this engine is susceptible to a number of wear-out modes caused by excessive operational stresses. It has been found that the principal factors responsible are engine power profile, aero-dynamic disturbances and self-generated vibration. The failures involve both external and internal engine components. External components which fail can readily be replaced or repaired. Rapid replacement or repair has had a positive impact on engine availability. For failed internal engine components, however, depot repair was originally planned. High repair costs and operational impact from depletion of rotable pool spares accelerated the need for in-place repairs. A number of such repairs have been developed and validated, resulting in substantial cost savings and increased engine availability. Special repairs have also been developed to reduce the operational stresses themselves.