A Method for the Life Assessment of Aero-Engine Turbine Disks Based on a Time-Varying Load Spectrum

The load spectrum serves as the foundation for the life analysis of aero-engine turbine disks. To enhance the accuracy of life assessments for turbine disks, this study compiles a time-varying load spectrum for turbine disks. Firstly, a surrogate model for transient processes at the critical points of turbine disks is established, enabling the rapid evaluation of the transient temperature and thermal stress at these points under complex loading histories. Secondly, a performance degradation model is established based on real engine test data, explicitly describing the general trend of performance degradation characteristics with respect to the cycle number and engine power. Finally, a time-varying load spectrum for turbine disks is compiled, considering both short-term transient processes and long-term performance degradation. The life of turbine disks at the fir-tree slot root and disk bore is assessed using the Manson–Coffin equation, Wilshire equation, and linear damage accumulation rule. The results indicate that neglecting transient processes leads to conservative life assessment results while neglecting performance degradation leads to dangerous life assessment results. Compared with traditional methods, the time-varying load spectrum significantly improves the accuracy and scientific nature of turbine disk life assessment.