What indication might suggest that turbine wheel damage has occurred?

Elevated turbine inlet temperature is a significant indicator of potential turbine wheel damage. When turbine wheels experience damage, their efficiency and ability to convert heat energy into mechanical energy can be compromised. This inefficiency often manifests as an increase in the temperature of the exhaust gases entering the turbine, leading to higher turbine inlet temperatures.

Monitoring turbine inlet temperature is crucial because it provides insights into the engine's operational efficiency and health. A consistent rise in this temperature beyond the normal operating range can signal issues such as blade deformation or failure, misalignment, or obstruction in the turbine's airflow path, all of which can arise from wear and tear or sudden mechanical failures.

In contrast, while increased fuel consumption, reduced oil pressure, and abnormal engine vibrations can also indicate engine performance issues, they might not be directly linked to turbine wheel damage. For instance, increased fuel consumption can stem from various factors, including alterations in engine tuning or changes in flight conditions. Similarly, reduced oil pressure could relate to oil system issues rather than turbine wheel integrity, and abnormal engine vibrations might be caused by other components in the engine working out of balance. Thus, elevated turbine inlet temperature remains the most direct and relevant indicator of potential turbine wheel damage.