Where would most erosion on turbine blades typically be found?

Most erosion on turbine blades is typically found at the low pressure, low load end due to several factors associated with airflow and particle interaction.

In turbine operation, the design and function of the blades create various pressure zones. At the low-pressure end, the velocity of the fluid increases, which can cause any particles present in the gas stream to strike the turbine blades with higher kinetic energy. These high-velocity particles contribute significantly to the erosion process. Furthermore, the low-pressure areas tend to have less protective airflow, allowing for more direct contact between particles and the blade surface, which exacerbates wear.

Additionally, in low load conditions, the operational dynamics of the turbine can lead to less robust fluid dynamics, thereby increasing the likelihood of erosion occurring due to stagnation and localized flow disturbances. The combination of these factors makes the low pressure, low load end particularly susceptible to erosion, underlining the importance of monitoring and maintaining this area to ensure the longevity and efficiency of turbine operation.