Rotor disc life is critical because of the enormous rotational energy that these parts generate.
Failure can be catastrophic.
Testing takes place in a large evacuated chamber reinforced to withstand the impact of a disintegrating rotor at maximum speed. Typically the life of military aero gas turbine engine rotors is much less than for civil engines because of the severe military operating cycles. The new test facility has been developed by DSTO Melbourne and adds to DSTO's capability to provide the ADF with advice on engine airworthiness. An important element of the program is to build an enhanced ability to keep engines in service longer, especially as there is a limited number of critical spares available. The rotors, which are the high speed rotating core of a gas turbine, include the compressor and turbine blades and the highly stressed discs or drums providing the supporting structures.