FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Qantas A380 in Emergency Landing - Engine Problems [Fleet temporarily grounded]
Old Nov 8, 2010 | 3:37 pm
  #68  
BOH
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Originally Posted by T8191
I personally feel that there is no information on which to base a meaningful debate.
With respect, there is a huge amount of highly factual information to go on as follows:

1. The Trent 900 variant used by QF is unique as it has a higher thrust rating. RR have publicly stated the problem only affects this variant.
2. Point #1 explains why neither LH or SQ have taken their 380's out of service, although they are carrying out precautionary inspections.
3. Investigations are focusing on an IP shaft resonance issue at this higher thrust rating.
4. As any mechanical engineer knows, resonance of any rotating component is to be avoided at all costs as it causes premature fatigue and cracking. As an aside (but relevant), the original Olympus for the Vulcan and the reheat variant for the TSR2 suffered shaft resonance at certain thrust settings during the development and had two uncontained failures at Filton. One took the roof off the engine test house, the other wrote off a Vulcan when it exploded.
5. Prolonged resonance is also a key cause of premature failure of oil seals...that fits with the unexplained oil now being found in some QF engines, but not with LH or SQ ones.

It would seem they are close to establishing the problem. I would bet the short term outcome will be a derating of the QF engine rating to the same as the LH and SQ ones - which may cause QF some payload reductions whilst it is in place.

So actually quite alot to go on really

Last edited by BOH; Nov 8, 2010 at 3:46 pm Reason: Clarified something
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