Abstract:
A method of removing features from a cast workpiece includes generating a nominal toolpath for machining the cast workpiece. The cast workpiece is mounted onto a platform of a computer numeric control machine. The cast workpiece is inspected with a probe to generate probe data. Features to be removed are identified based upon the probe data generated during the inspection. Any expected features of the cast workpiece that are missing from the cast workpiece are identified. A transformation matrix is applied to the nominal toolpath with a controller of the computer numeric control machine, wherein the transformation matrix is based upon the probe data. Alignment of the cast workpiece is adjusted relative to the computer numeric control machine based on the transformation matrix with the computer numeric control machine. Features are removed from the cast workpiece that were identified during inspection.
Abstract:
An airfoil for a gas turbine engine includes a substrate portion extending from an airfoil leading edge to an airfoil trailing edge portion. The airfoil trailing edge portion includes a flared portion wherein a substrate portion thickness increases along a camber line of the airfoil, and a trailing edge defined as a full constant radius extending from a pressure side of the airfoil to a suction side of the airfoil. A coating portion includes a coating applied over at least a portion of the substrate portion.
Abstract:
A method of polishing an outer surface of a ceramic coated gas turbine engine component includes applying a rotating diamond brush to the outer surface. The brush is configured to achieve a uniform finish of 150 microinches Ra or less over the surface. The brush contains diamond impregnated bristles, and is affixed to a rotary head of a robotic arm. A force sensing controller limits brush forces against the component. The component disclosed is a hot section turbine vane designed for directional control of high temperature, high-pressure combustion gases, but the method may be applied to other components contained within such aerospace applications. The polished coating provides an improved thermal barrier for maintaining structural integrity of the component in environments having temperatures ranging up to 2,000 degrees Celsius. The method limits abrasive removal of ceramic material to only 0.0005 to 0.00075 inch, and saves time and expense over past practices.
Abstract:
A method for finishing a film cooled article includes providing a film cooled article including at least one inner cooling plenum and at least one opening connecting the inner cooling plenum to an exterior surface of the film cooled article, positioning a machining element in contact with the exterior surface of the film cooled article, automatically moving the machining element along the exterior surface while maintaining contact between the machining tool and the surface, identifying an actual position of at least one film opening based on sensory feedback from the machining element using a controller, removing material from the exterior surface at the at least one film opening using the machining element, thereby creating a depression at the at least one film opening.
Abstract:
A method for finishing a film cooled article includes providing a film cooled article including at least one inner cooling plenum and at least one opening connecting the inner cooling plenum to an exterior surface of the film cooled article, positioning a machining element in contact with the exterior surface of the film cooled article, automatically moving the machining element along the exterior surface while maintaining contact between the machining tool and the surface, identifying an actual position of at least one film opening based on sensory feedback from the machining element using a controller, removing material from the exterior surface at the at least one film opening using the machining element, thereby creating a depression at the at least one film opening.
Abstract:
A method of removing features from a cast workpiece includes generating a nominal toolpath for machining the cast workpiece. The cast workpiece is mounted onto a platform of a computer numeric control machine. The cast workpiece is inspected with a probe to generate probe data. Features to be removed are identified based upon the probe data generated during the inspection. Any expected features of the cast workpiece that are missing from the cast workpiece are identified. A transformation matrix is applied to the nominal toolpath with a controller of the computer numeric control machine, wherein the transformation matrix is based upon the probe data. Alignment of the cast workpiece is adjusted relative to the computer numeric control machine based on the transformation matrix with the computer numeric control machine. Features are removed from the cast workpiece that were identified during inspection.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an aerodynamic element with an edge is provided. The method includes producing the aerodynamic element with an initial condition, cooling the aerodynamic element, generating a predefined number of data points sufficient to characterize contours of the edge and comparing the data points to a nominal condition to derive transformation parameters applicable to cutting toolpaths to adapt the cutting toolpaths to the initial condition.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an airfoil. The method includes fixing the airfoil in a workpiece space, detecting a position of the airfoil in the workpiece space using a force-sensing element, and removing material from the airfoil to reduce a dimension of the airfoil. In various embodiments, detecting the position of the airfoil includes moving the force-sensing element across a surface of the airfoil. For example, the surface of the airfoil may be a first surface, wherein removing material from the airfoil to reduce the dimension of the airfoil comprises removing material from a second surface of the airfoil opposite the first surface. Removing material from the second surface of the airfoil may be performed without moving the force-sensing element across the second surface of the airfoil.
Abstract:
A method for finishing a film cooled article includes providing a film cooled article including at least one inner cooling plenum and at least one opening connecting the inner cooling plenum to an exterior surface of the film cooled article, positioning a machining element in contact with the exterior surface of the film cooled article, automatically moving the machining element along the exterior surface while maintaining contact between the machining tool and the surface, identifying an actual position of at least one film opening based on sensory feedback from the machining element using a controller, removing material from the exterior surface at the at least one film opening using the machining element, thereby creating a depression at the at least one film opening.
Abstract:
A method for applying anti-gallant coating to metal parts utilizes an ultrasonic sprayer driven by a precise manipulation device such as a robotic arm for high efficiency and precision. The method does not require masking adjacent or nearby metal parts, decreases time and money spent applying the anti-gallant coating, and is environmentally friendly.