What is a typical consequence of severe rubbing of turbine engine compressor blades?

Severe rubbing of turbine engine compressor blades typically leads to galling. This phenomenon occurs when there is a significant amount of abrasion or interaction between two metal surfaces under pressure, leading to material transfer from one surface to the other. In the context of a turbine engine, this can happen when the blades rub against components such as casings or other blades due to misalignment or excessive wear.

Galling results in localized surface degradation, which can significantly affect the performance and efficiency of the engine. The friction and heat generated during this rubbing can cause material to seize or stick together, resulting in further damage to the blades. Ultimately, galling compromises the structural integrity of the compressor blades, which can lead to more catastrophic failures if not addressed promptly.

While cracking, wear, and fatigue are also potential issues in turbine engines, they are not the primary consequences associated with severe blade rubbing. Cracking typically results from stress concentrations and fatigue cycles, while wear refers to the gradual removal of material due to less severe interactions. Fatigue is more about the gradual weakening of materials under cyclic loading conditions. In contrast, galling is directly linked to severe rubbing incidents that create extreme friction and heat.