A Dynamic Testing Approach for Particulate Erosion–Corrosion for Gas Turbine Coatings

Particle interactions in engines can be complex phenomena leading to degradation of thermal (TBCs) and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) meant to protect engine components. Ingestion of particles into the engine can lead to recession of coatings due to particle erosion. Similarly, these particles can become molten, adhere to coatings, and result in thermochemical corrosion of coating materials. Erosion testing is often carried out where particles are injected into a gas stream, accelerated within a nozzle, and impinge on samples. Conversely, most molten particle corrosion testing is often done in static furnaces, which does not capture the dynamic nature of deposition. Nevertheless, these damage mechanisms are often tested separately, and no standard exists to test both erosive/corrosive particle interactions with coating materials under relevant turbine operating conditions. Understanding the synergies of particle interactions is crucial in determining operating lifetimes of potential coating materials. Such considerations emphasize the need for realistic approaches in standardizing particle interaction testing in combustion environments. This study outlines efforts at NASA Glenn's Erosion Burner Rig Facility in improving dynamic erosion/corrosion testing methods by assessing the durability of state-of-the-art (SOA) TBC 7 wt % yttria-stabilized zirconia (7YSZ) as a function of particle deposition rate, burner temperature, and particle size. Calibration data to determine particle deposition rate will be presented, and mass and optical profilometry measurements were utilized to estimate mass/volume loss versus deposition per increment of particulate used. Electron microscopy analyses were then carried out to assess coating damage after testing.