Objectif
Increasing the efficiency of gas turbine engines has been the subject of continuous investigation and one in which European companies are especially active. Improving the abradable seal between the blade and casing, by reducing tip leakage, is an important area for research which will lead to a substantial improvement in engine efficiency and fuel consumption. The aim of this study is to gain a much better, more fundamental understanding of abradability and at the same time design and produce a new family of powder/coating methods and structures. To aid understanding, a computer simulation model will be developed and validated for abradability and wear against OEM data. The results of this study can be exploited in the highly competitive aero-engine market, power generation gas turbines, pump compressors and engine turbochargers.