What can jet engines suffer significant damage from?

Jet engines can indeed suffer significant damage from Foreign Object Debris (FOD). FOD refers to any object or substance that can damage an aircraft or engine, such as stones, metal fragments, or even wildlife. When these debris come into contact with the engine, they can cause severe physical damage, including blade deformation, internal structural damage, or even complete engine failure. This is particularly critical for jet engines due to their high-speed operation and the precision required in their components.

While high temperatures and overheating can also lead to engine damage, they are generally more associated with thermal fatigue or degradation of materials rather than immediate and catastrophic damage like FOD can cause. Pressure loss primarily affects engine performance and efficiency, but it is not typically associated with the kind of structural damage that FOD can inflict. Thus, the unique nature of FOD as a direct source of physical harm to a jet engine highlights why this answer stands out as particularly significant.