FLECTION will:

1. develop a state-of-the-art experimental methodology for a controlled experimental generation of NDS according to their type and geometrical morphology; facilities such as light gas gun, Hopkinson bar and drop weight will be used for the scope
2. characterise different type of NDS generated at different impact energies, sizes and morphology by means of micro-analysis facilities
3. characterise the residual stresses and the microstructure around the NDS and will correlate them with the principal features of the NDS
4. determine the effect of residual stresses and microstructure due to NDS on the fatigue performance of IN718; the material will be thoroughly characterised and a complex fatigue test campaign of the damaged material will be carried out to highlight the main parameters affect fatigue life
5. develop, calibrate and validate state-of-the-art multi-scale computational models for the prediction of residual stresses around NDS and for the prediction of fatigue life of damaged material
6. develop an uncertainty analysis to identify the key parameter affecting fatigue life and to quantify the uncertainty in the predictions of the computational models
7. develop a comprehensive statistically robust numerical-experimental approach for the prediction of safe life in IN718 components; the experimental methodologies and the computational models will be integrated together.

FLECTION will contribute to Clean Sky LPA by providing an approach to validate the selected blade design of the CROR engine. Furthermore, FLECTION contributes to the European objectives of: development of technology product differentiator from non-EU developers; reduction of greenhouse emissions through increased fuel efficiency and weight reduction; enhanced mobility by creating cost-effective transport.