Application of Radiation Physics and Photogrammetric Techniques for the Diagnosis and Solution of Mechanical Engineering Problems and Performance Improvements in the Development of AERO Gas Turbine Engines at Rolls-Royce

摘要

High Energy (8 MeV) X-rays were used to determine metal component movements for engine performance improvements and integrity confirmation, using film. Real time video was used for transient events. Low energy X-rays with high speed cine fluoroscopy were used to analyze molten metal flows in the turbine blade casting process. Cold neutrons and low energy X-rays were used to analyze two phase flows and oil distribution in an engine oil scavenge system. Positron emitting isotope techniques are being developed to determine fuel and lubrication system dynamics. The images captured by these systems are processed by digital techniques, and pattern recognition and cross correlation is carried out. Measurements are made from the film and video images using two and three dimensional photogrammetric methods.