This article focuses on common failures of the components associated with the flow path of industrial gas turbines. Examples of steam turbine blade failures are also discussed, because these components share some similarities with gas turbine blading. Some of the analytical methods used in the laboratory portion of the failure investigation are mentioned in the failure examples. The topics covered are creep, localized overheating, thermal-mechanical fatigue, high-cycle fatigue, fretting wear, erosive wear, high-temperature oxidation, hot corrosion, liquid metal embrittlement, and manufacturing and repair deficiencies.

This article provides an overview of key thermal spray coatings used in compressors, combustors, and turbine sections of a power-generation gas turbine. It describes the critical components, including combustors, transition ducts, inlet nozzle guide vanes, and first-stage rotating airfoils. Design requirements are reviewed and compared between aerospace and power generation coatings. Application process improvement areas are also discussed as a method of reducing component cost.

Alloys intended for use in high-temperature environments rely on the formation of a continuous, compact, slow-growing oxide layer for oxidation, and hot corrosion resistance. This article focuses on the issues related to high-temperature oxidation of superalloys used in gas turbine engine applications. It discusses the general methodologies used to evaluate oxidation resistance of materials. The article describes the performance characteristics of superalloys, single-crystal superalloys, and other high-temperature materials such as refractory metals and ceramics. It discusses hot corrosion of superalloys and airfoil degradation due to deposits resulting from ingested particles or sand. The article concludes with a discussion on the limitations of testing techniques and life prediction.