Assessing the global warming potential of aircraft gas turbine materials: Impacts and implications

Yilanli M., SHEIKHI M. R., Altuntas O., Açıkkalp E.

Process Safety and Environmental Protection, cilt.175, ss.764-773, 2023 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 175
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.psep.2023.05.100
  • Dergi Adı: Process Safety and Environmental Protection
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Aqualine, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), Biotechnology Research Abstracts, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Greenfile, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.764-773
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Aircraft engine materials, Gas turbine engine components, Global warming potential
  • Samsun Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The aviation industry generates a wide range of climate pollutants, which often leads to an underestimation of its impact on global warming. Constructing aircraft components using environmentally friendly materials could significantly reduce the environmental burden associated with aviation growth. The objective of this study is to evaluate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of commonly used alloys in gas turbine engines of aircraft. Material information on aircraft engine components was extracted, and GWP data for each metal was obtained using SimaPro software, and the GWP of components was determined. The study revealed that RENE 15 and GTD111 turbine alloys had the highest GWP impact, ranging from 13.53 to 14.05 kg CO2e/kg, while AISI 403 and GTD-450 used in the compressor, M152 used in the turbine, and Cr-Mo-V alloys used in both the turbine and shafts had the lowest GWP effect, ranging from 1.61 to 1.90 kg CO2e/kg. Moreover, the study evaluated the environmental impact associated with the manufacturing of aircraft engine components. The findings indicated that Ti-based materials had the highest GWP rate, with a value of 3.29 kg CO2e/kg, which was almost the sum of all other metals. In particular, Ti-based materials used in fan components were identified as the largest source of environmental impact during aircraft engine production, with a value of 2.02 kg CO2e/kg. These results underscore the crucial role of material selection in mitigating environmental impacts during aviation engine component production. The study highlights the need for more effective and efficient approaches to material selection from an environmental standpoint in the aviation industry, especially in the context of reducing global warming potential. The results of this research could inform decision-making related to material selection for aircraft engine components, and help the aviation industry to reduce its overall environmental impact and mitigate the effects of global warming.