A systems engineering design of a retirement for cause life management process for life-limited F110-GE-400 engine parts

Abstract

çExtreme temperatures and high component rotational speeds within a gas turbine engine and design constraints limit engineers' ability to design all engine components to last for the expected service life of the engine. Under the United States Navy's current life management philosophy where life-limited engine parts are retired at their B. 1 life, over $210 million (1995 dollars) worth of parts will be replaced with new parts before system retirement in 2010.

Using the systems engineering process, the retirement for cause methodology is adapted for use with and application to the Navy's F11O-GE- 400 engine. A preliminary retirement for cause system design is established, and all life-limited parts are evaluated for participation in the system. A life-cycle cost savings of $270 million is calculated for the four parts selected for management via the established retirement for cause system. Further, this life-cycle cost savings can be achieved with a maximum up-front investment of $4.57 million over two years. Methods for decreasing the upfront investment costs are discussed.

The retirement for cause system defined herein is a feasible and cost effective alternative to the Navy's current life management system for the selected F110-GE-400 engine parts. Flight safety and readiness are shown not to be degraded with implementation of the retirement for cause system. Limitations of this study consists primarily of data non-availability.