Abstracts Category : Other

Informing Physics-Based Particle Deposition Models UsingNovel Experimental Techniques to Evaluate Particle-SurfaceInteractions

by Steven Michael Whitaker

The increasing use of gas turbine engines in regionswith high concentrations of particulate, along with the drivetoward higher operating temperatures for efficiency, has led toincreased problems associated with particle deposition. In order tomake more informed decisions about component design and to predictlife expectancy of components, a generalized physics-based model pfparticle-surface interaction with deposition prediction isrequired. This work aims to inform existing physics-based modelsthrough the use of novel experimental and analysis techniques formeasurement of particle coefficient of restitution data. This data,obtained for 20 different particle-temperature combinations andincluding information for more than 8.35 million individualrebounds, is used to identify areas in which existing models can beimproved. Modifications suggested for a particular model include avelocity-dependent particle yield strength that accounts for strainhardening and strain rate effects and randomized reboundpredictions to obtain data spread that matches that of experimentaldata. The modified model, with vastly improved predictivecapabilities, is then used to determine temperature-dependentmechanical properties for several different particle compositions.The improvement in the model physics and the determination ofthermally- and compositionally-dependent mechanical propertiesrepresents a significant advancement in deposition modeling andprovides the foundation for further model improvement in thefuture.Advisors/Committee Members: Bons, Jeffrey (Advisor).