What is the result of continued excessive heat and centrifugal force on turbine engine rotor blades?

In turbine engines, rotor blades are subjected to extreme conditions from both heat and centrifugal force. Creep is the term that describes the gradual deformation of materials when subjected to high pressure and temperature over an extended period.

In the context of turbine engines, as the blades operate at high temperatures, particularly in the combustion section, the materials can begin to flow or deform under the stress of centrifugal forces caused by the rapid spinning of the rotor. This phenomenon is particularly significant in materials that are designed to withstand high temperatures, such as those used in turbine blades.

Creep can lead to a reduction in the mechanical integrity of the rotor blades, resulting in a decrease in performance and potentially leading to catastrophic failure if not monitored and managed properly. Thus, in the scenario presented, the combined effects of continued excessive heat and centrifugal force lead primarily to creep, making it the correct answer to the question.