MICHAEL PHELAN / PARIS
Snecma Services is testing remote diagnostic support for CFM International CFM56 turbofans and hopes to use the technology to guarantee against bearing failures for the entire life of an engine.
"We need to guarantee no inflight bearing failures for the engine life to make a worthwhile business case," says Snecma Services vice-president customer operations, Pierre-Emmanuel Gires. He hopes to offer the guarantee to customers "within two to five years", using existing aircraft datalinks.
Trials with selected CFM56 customers are monitoring vibration levels at the bearings. "Some airlines are sending us the data in real time using ACARS [airborne communication and reporting system], while others are sending us the tapes each day," says Gires.
The two-shaft CFM56 has five bearings. Gires says the number three ball-bearing on the core is highly loaded. "If it goes, the damage causes an inflight shutdown, and can cost $4 million." He says engine aerofoil failures usually start with bearing vibration problems.
The scheme is the first in a range of remote diagnostic applications Snecma Services plans.
Source: Flight International
