Khalifa University is collaborating with Sanad Aero Tech (a Mubadala Company) to leverage the Additive Manufacturing capability at KU. Together, they are utilizing state-of-the-art equipment to research and develop solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems. One of these projects involves repairing compressor blades.
A jet engine is powered by constantly spinning compressor blades, but when in service, the blades rub against the housing of the engine and get worn down. When they become too small, the engine’s efficiency is compromised. Taking the engine off wing and repairing these blades is necessary.
Current repair techniques involve tip welding the worn blade to restore its length. However, the current process is lengthy as it involves shipping blades to vendors where they can be placed on the maintenance queue, affecting the overall turn-around time of the engine.
Instead, the joint research team from Sanad and Khalifa University are looking into repairing the blades using additive manufacturing. If the technology is qualified, which is the final stage of development, the blades can be directly repaired using titanium powder, which builds the blade back up to its original shape.
Erica Solomon
Publication Senior Speicalist
14 March 2022
