Why Do Turbine Blades Break? [Video]

Turbine blade failure is usually caused by the following reasons: 1. Blade fatigue fracture: Prolonged exposure to alternating loads leads to the gradual propagation of fatigue cracks, eventually resulting in fracture. 2. Vibration resonance: When the excitation frequency of the steam flow is close to the natural frequency of the blade itself, it causes severe resonance in the blade, leading to fracture. 3. Corrosion and erosion damage: Prolonged exposure of the blades to steam environments leads to corrosion or wear due to solid particles, resulting in a decrease in strength. 4. Leaf material defects: Improper manufacturing processes or internal defects and impurities in the material itself reduce the strength of the leaf. 5. Excessive thermal stress: Large temperature differences during operation, along with frequent start-ups and shutdowns, generate significant thermal stress, leading to cracks or fractures in the blades. The specific circumstances in the video are likely the result of a combination of these factors; a detailed analysis of the fracture morphology and operational condition data is required to determine the exact cause. .