Image to right: Test cell photograph showing a softwall metallic fan case that is representative of the state of the art in current fan containment. Hydraulic actuators are positioned at the inlet end of the case so that out-of-balance rotor overloads can be simulated.

On commercial jet engines, a "blade-out" rotor failure event occurs when a rotor fails in an uncontained fashion, often leading to accident and injury.

Historically, materials used to prevent rotor failure were heavy, metal-based designs needing high safety margins and time-consuming, costly testing. There had to be a better solution.

In 2003 after four years of work, a team of researchers at NASA Glenn Research Center, along with their industry and academic partners, completed development of TEEK, a low-density, light-weight, flame-resistant polyimide foam that provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, and high-performance structural support for jet engines. Using TEEK, the team developed the first advanced composite jet engine fan case/containment system concept. At the same time, they created a marketable product simulation software tool that can be used to predict jet engine "blade-out" events without having to use real engines.

Jet Engine Containment Concepts and Blade-Out Simulation Team
NASA Glenn Research Center, FAA, Rolls-Royce, The Boeing Company, General Electric Company, Honeywell, A&P Technology, Williams International, North Coast Composites, North Coast Tool & Mold, Cincinnati Testing Laboratories, MSC Software, Ohio Aerospace Institute, Ohio State University, University of Akron