Accelerated Life Tests of a Pair of Naval Gas Turbines

This paper presents the results of a 2500-hr evaluation test performed at the U. S. Naval Engineering Experiment Station under the auspices of the Bureau of Ships. Test procedures, results, and conclusions are presented. The primary purpose of this test was to evaluate a compressor-turbine wheel with blades heavier than were in Fleet service at the time of test. This and other improvements have resulted in a forced downtime of 0.6 per cent over a thousand-hour period, and have shown justification for extension of the present 500-hr overhaul period to 1000 hr.