Analysis of FOD on Ist stage compressor blades of an aircraft

Two Foreign Object damaged (FOD) Ist stage compressor blades from an aircraft were analyzed. FOD occurred as a result of impact of solid metallic object(s) on the leading edge of the blades. Evidences show that the foreign object(s) hit the blades on the concave surface. Compositional analysis of the blades showed presence of Fe and Cd in addition to the base material elements at the damaged regions. From the available evidences, it was not possible to establish the size/impact velocity of the foreign object