SBIR-STTR Award

Use of the patented split sleeve cold expansion (CX) process, and process variations, will be investigated as a means to extend the life of in-service j_52components damaged by low cycle fatigue. These processes have been widely used for life extension of new and in-service airframe components but have not been fully evaluated for gas turbine engine applications. This program will determine the potential for life improvement, using these techniques, in geometries representative of j_52structures. These include, but are not limited to, bolt holes, blade attachments, cutouts, and scallops. In general, this phase will use titanium 6a1_4v as a base line material, operating at temperatures from ambient to 550 deg F. If possible, tests will be performed using j-52 structural components.