Engine manufacturers and operators have been researching deterioration mechanisms like erosion (Figure 1), fouling, and corrosion for decades. The phenomena of erosion, fouling, and corrosion lead to increased operational expenses, since they increase fuel consumption and decrease compressor stability (Figure 2), which decreases engine service life. Additionally, deterioration can have massive operational safety implications. Vulcanic ash led to a total loss of thrust in various cases (for example British Airways Flight 009). The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 led to airspace closures and flight cancellations. In order to understand under which ambient conditions, safe and economically viable operations are guaranteed, the interactions between ambient conditions and the engine are continuously researched.
