How Can We Prevent Sand-Induced Corrosion in Tank Turbines?

[jai6638]

Hello. I'm a HS junior at a research summer program and am researching Jet Engines. Apparently, when Jet Engines are used in tanks which move in deserts , the sand enters the turbines and corrodes them. In order to prevent that, would the solution be to implement a closed system so there is no contamination from the sand. One would need to figure out how to introduce new oxygen into the turbine for combustion..

Can you guys think of any other ideas?

Thanks

P.S: Filters would mean cleaning the filters sporadically and thus not making it the best solution..

 

[FredGarvin]

The turbines don't corrode, they erode. Erosion is caused by the sand and attacks the leading edges of, mostly, the first few stages of compression. There are basically two options to look at:

- Coatings applied to the blades in an effort to slow down the erosion process.
- A particle seperator on the intake system.

From personal experience in helicopters and the first gulf war, we had a tough time with sand injestion. You can not stop it, unless you want to bring along a supply of your own supply air. Coating of blades is a very time consuming and costly endeavor that can not be done in the field. However, we did use particle seperators. They are not the same as filters, however they did require periodic maintenance (as if there is anything that doesn't). Here are a couple of links showing our engine, an Avco-Lycoming T-55 with and without the particle seperators (EAPS):

With: http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/chinook/images/eaps1.jpg
Without: http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/history/aircraft/D_Models/92-00309/92-00309_a.jpg

 

[Astronuc]

Turbochargers of turbocharged diesel engines have the same problem in sandy climates. Basically one can use static filters with progressive finer mesh, but these have to be removed and cleaned, and may not be practical in aircraft which have high volumetric flow rates.

Also one can use dynamic filters, which are fine for diesel locomotives, but add mass, so may not be practical for aircraft. On the other hand, they may be practical in tanks. Perhaps a combination of static and dynamic filters is feasible.