Metallurgical Evaluation of Bolt Fracture in the commercial gas turbines
Fasteners like bolts, nuts and washers are critical as it is a joining structural piece of undeniable importance. Aero-engine casings, flanges, ports connected by bolted joints, which are often under extreme operating environments. Single bolt fracture can cause the overall structure expose to damage. Most common issues with bolts are cracks, fatigue, breakage, usual wear, and tear these can be due to vibrations, over and under tightening, design and installation. Especially when thinking of safety critical applications such as aircraft, it is important to have carefully structural maintenance and monitoring in place. This presentation describes case study related to deviation from the set maintenance protocol leading to bolt failure resulting in flight shutdown.