Which statement about transverse cracks is correct?

Which statement about transverse cracks is correct?

• A. Any transverse crack of any size is a reason for rejecting the blade
• B. Small cracks may be repaired
• C. Cracks near the tip can be repaired
• D. Cracks must be logged but allowed

Answer: (A)

Transverse cracks indicate fatigue damage that cuts through the blade’s thickness, affecting its ability to carry loads safely. In turbine blades, which endure extreme temperatures and repeated stress cycles, such cracks can propagate quickly and compromise structural integrity. There is no reliable, safe repair path that restores full endurance for hot-section blades, so any transverse crack is treated as unacceptable, regardless of size or location. That’s why the statement that any transverse crack of any size is a reason for rejecting the blade is the correct one. The other ideas—to repair small cracks, repair cracks near the tip, or simply log them and keep operating—do not align with the safety requirements for critical blade components.

Transverse cracks indicate fatigue damage that cuts through the blade’s thickness, affecting its ability to carry loads safely. In turbine blades, which endure extreme temperatures and repeated stress cycles, such cracks can propagate quickly and compromise structural integrity. There is no reliable, safe repair path that restores full endurance for hot-section blades, so any transverse crack is treated as unacceptable, regardless of size or location. That’s why the statement that any transverse crack of any size is a reason for rejecting the blade is the correct one. The other ideas—to repair small cracks, repair cracks near the tip, or simply log them and keep operating—do not align with the safety requirements for critical blade components.