Aviation engines can ingest significant amounts of sand and dust particles from the atmosphere when operating in desert environments, sandy areas, or during dust storms. These particles can severely impact engine performance, durability, and safety. For manned aircraft engines, international standards such as FAA 14 CFR Part 33, EASA CS-E, SAE ARP 5876, and RTCA DO-160 define certification criteria and test methods for sand and dust ingestion. These standards are also referenced for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missile engines, ensuring reliability in harsh operating conditions.

In gas turbine and internal combustion engines, sand and dust ingestion can lead to erosion of compressor blades and coating surfaces, clogging of cooling channels, and bearing jamming, resulting in reduced engine performance or even engine damage. Therefore, analyzing the engine’s behavior during sand and dust ingestion is critical for operational safety and reliability.

Sand and dust ingestion tests are typically conducted on ground test benches using specialized systems that simulate real-world conditions. These systems inject controlled amounts of sand and dust particles into the engine’s air intake, with particle size, concentration, and flow rate precisely regulated according to certification criteria. Since the engine operates during these tests, the test system must synchronize seamlessly with the engine’s control system to ensure accurate data collection and test safety.

Sand and dust ingestion tests are not only critical for engine certification but also for optimizing particle filtration systems. Effective particle separators and filters can significantly reduce the impact of sand and dust on engine components, enhancing operational reliability in challenging conditions.

E2T, with its expert team, develops customized sand and dust ingestion test systems tailored to customer requirements. Our systems feature high-speed data acquisition, precise particle control, and seamless integration with your engine test bench and controller. The E2T Control Suite ensures 100% compatibility with your engine’s control system, enabling you to conduct sand and dust ingestion tests in compliance with international standards such as SAE ARP 5876 and MIL-STD-810. With E2T’s advanced test systems, you can effectively evaluate your engine’s performance and durability in sandy and dusty environments.