Corrosion of Gas Turbine Blades by Hot Gases under Real and Simulated Operating Conditions.

The microstructure observed at a failure in a gas turbine blade made of Rene 41, of the type used in the ″Starfighter″ , could be reproduced by laboratory creep tests in a corrosive atmosphere. Analysis of the findings leads to the conclusion that the behavior of the blade can be optimized by the proper heat treatment rather than formation of the proper protective coating. It is shown that in the present case a certain amount of corrosion by hot gases is acceptable in order to obtain a microstructure affording better creep strength.