Fan disk
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A fan disk is the central hub of a fan in a turbofan engine. Fan blades are attached to the fan disk, which is rotated by a shaft driven by a gas turbine.[1] In modern passenger aircraft, most of the propulsive thrust comes from fans, which are driven by gas turbines.
Air enters the front of an engine, where a fan increases the pressure by rotating within a duct. Most of the pressurized air is exhausted through the rear of the engine, where it expands and its velocity increases.
Fan disks are large and heavy. The one shown in the photo is over 31 inches (1.2 m) in diameter, and rotates up to 3800 rotations per minute (RPM).[2] Fan disks must withstand the centrifugal force of the attached fan blades. Because of their size and weight, a failed fan disk can severely damage an aircraft, as happened with United Airlines Flight 232 in 1989.[3]
Fan disks are usually made of a titanium alloy, which is strong, light weight, and resistant to corrosion.
See also[edit]
- United Airlines Flight 232, which crashed after the fan disc in its number two engine shattered and damaged all hydraulic systems
References[edit]
- ^ Khurana, K. C. (2009). Aviation management : global perspectives. New Delhi: Global India Publications. p. 60. ISBN 9789380228396.
- ^ "General Electric CF6-6 Turbofan Engine, Cutaway". Smithsonian Institution. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
- ^ "AAR-90-06, Aircraft Accident Report, United Airlines Flight 232 McDonnell Douglas DC-10 Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City, Iowa" (PDF). National Transportation Safety Board. 19 July 1989. Retrieved 28 October 2018.
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