Geometry-Dependent Fracture and Rebound of Particulate under Compressor-Relevant Impact Conditions

Gas turbine engines, such as those used in aircraft, are vulnerable to damage when they ingest small solid particles like sand, dust, or volcanic ash. Once inside, these particles collide with engine blades at very high speeds, where they may bounce, stick, or break apart. Each of these outcomes affects how particles travel through the engine and, in turn, how they contribute to erosion, clogging, or loss of performance. Predicting this behavior is difficult because it depends not only on the speed and angle of impact, but also on the irregular shape of the particles and the ability of the metal surfaces to deform. Previous models have often assumed that particles are perfect spheres, which simplifies the problem but does not reflect real conditions. This dissertation uses advanced computer simulations to study these impacts in more detail, focusing on how particle shape influences both rebound and fracture. The research shows that particle geometry strongly affects how energy is transferred during impact, how fragments are created, and how they move afterward. New ways of describing particle shape were developed that simplify the problem without losing important physical details, and a new modeling framework was introduced that combines experiments with simulations to make predictions more accurate and broadly applicable. These advances provide engineers with better tools for forecasting when and how engines are likely to be damaged by ingested particles, ultimately helping improve the durability and reliability of engines operating in harsh environments.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Department dc:contributor.department

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Wilson, Jacob Oliver

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Qiao, Rui

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Lowe, Kevin T.
• Son, Chang Min
• Ng, Wing Fai

• non-spherical geometry
• particle impact
• particle fracture
• ductile substrate
• compressor erosion

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:44747

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/138037