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Impact Properties of Metal Fan Containment Materials
Being Evaluated for the High-Speed Civil Transport
(HSCT)
Under the Enabling Propulsion Materials (EPM) program--a partnership between NASA, Pratt &
Whitney, and GE Aircraft Engines--the Materials and Structures Divisions of the NASA Lewis
Research Center are involved in developing a fan-containment system for the High-Speed Civil
Transport (HSCT). The program calls for a baseline system to be designed by the end of 1995,
with subsequent testing of innovative concepts. Five metal candidate materials are currently
being evaluated for the baseline system in the Structures Division's Ballistic Impact Facility.
This facility was developed to provide the EPM program with cost-efficient and timely impact
test data. At the facility, material specimens are impacted at speeds up to 350 m/sec by
projectiles of various sizes and shapes to assess the specimens' ability to absorb energy and
withstand impact. The tests can be conducted at either room or elevated temperatures. Posttest
metallographic analysis is conducted to improve understanding of the failure modes. A dynamic
finite element program is used to simulate the events and both guide the testing as well as aid in
designing the fan-containment system.
Velocity required for a standard projectile to penetrate four candidate materials at 370 °C (700
°F).
To date, four of the five candidates for the baseline system have been tested. We plan to test the
fifth material at Lewis as soon as it is available. Tests on more innovative materials and designs
are currently being initiated. Results of these tests will be used to select materials for further
large-scale testing, and to help engine designers in the design of the fan-containment system.
Lewis contact: J. Michael Pereira, (216) 433-6738
Headquarters program office: OA (HSRD)
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Last updated April 17, 1996
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