3 ms·
> Not unless the cowling was armored, which it wasn't at least back in the 80's. AFAIK part of engine qualification is proving that the nacelle will retain a f
by InternetOfStuff 9y ago
> Not unless the cowling was armored, which it wasn't at least back in the 80's.
AFAIK part of engine qualification is proving that the nacelle will retain a fan blade breaking off at full throttle. There are remarkable youtube videos of these qualification tests.
The entire fan is another matter though. I assume the nacelle will offer some resistance, but not contain it entirely.
And the turbines as well, they don't even attempt to retain those.
- WalterBright 9y ago> qualification tests When did that become a requirement? > And the turbines as well, they don't even attempt to retain those. I knew about the turbine blades, I just assumed the fan blades were as uncontainable. I think my information is out of date. Thanks for the correction.
- WalterBright 9y agoI found it: http://federal.elaws.us/cfr/title14.part33.section33.94 http://federal.elaws.us/cfr/title14.part33.section33.94 Looks like it became a requirement in 1984, after I left Boeing. So that's why I didn't know about it.
- InternetOfStuff 9y agoThanks for taking the time to dig your way to the facts, and then report back with what you found. As it turns out, I learned something as well. Contrary to what I said, that same passage requires failing turbine blades to be retained as well. However, they seem to be drawing the line at complete fan or compressor assemblies or turbine disks.