Abstract:
A method for forming a dispersion-strengthened material containing nanoparticles that are uniformly dispersed in a matrix phase. The method includes adding nanoparticles and a molten material to a container to form a pool within the container and rotating the container to create a convection vortex in the pool. The convection vortex is sufficient to cause the nanoparticles to be incorporated into the molten material so as to yield a molten composite material, and further causes the molten composite material to be ejected from the container. The molten composite material is then cooled to form a solid composite body comprising a uniform dispersion of the nanoparticles.
Abstract:
A mold is provided for enabling casting of single crystal metallic articles including a part-defining cavity, a sorter passage positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the part-defining cavity, and a seed cavity positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the sorter passage. The sorter passage includes a shape suitable for encouraging a single crystal structure in solidifying molten metal. Additionally, a portion of the mold between the sorter passage and the part-defining cavity includes a notch for facilitating breakage of a cast article proximate the notch during thermal stress build-up, so as to prevent mold breakage or the inclusion of part defects.
Abstract:
Methods for repairing and manufacturing a gas turbine blade, and the gas turbine blade repaired and manufactured with such methods are presented with, for example, the repair method comprising providing a gas turbine blade, the blade comprising a blade tip and a blade body; removing at least one portion of the blade tip; providing at least one freestanding tip insert; and disposing the at least one tip insert onto the gas turbine blade body such that the at least one tip insert replaces the at least one removed portion of the blade tip.
Abstract:
A nickel-based braze composition is described, containing nickel, palladium, and restricted amounts of boron and silicon. The composition can also contain tantalum, titanium, and zirconium, as well as aluminum, chromium, and cobalt. A method for joining two metal components, using the braze composition, is also described. The braze composition can also be used to fill cracks or other cavities in a component, e.g., a gas turbine part formed from a nickel-based superalloy. Articles of manufacture which contain the braze composition are also described.
Abstract:
An airfoil for an internal combustion engine, such as a gas turbine, formed by use of a preform. The airfoil includes: an outer surface forming the foil shape; and a plurality of craze-free cooling passages extending through the airfoil. In the preferred embodiment, a root on the airfoil joins the airfoil to the hub of a gas turbine vane assembly. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the gas turbine vane assembly is adapted to receive replaceable airfoils.
Abstract:
A turbine blade comprises an external pressure side plate comprising a plurality of external pressure ribs, an internal pressure side plate comprising a plurality of internal pressure ribs, and a plurality of pressure flow redirection areas. The external pressure side plate is disposed over the internal pressure side plate to form a pressure side double wall. The external pressure ribs are disposed at a first angle with respect to a blade span reference line and the internal pressure ribs are disposed at a second angle with respect to the blade span reference line to form the pressure flow redirection areas. The pressure side double wall is configured to pass a coolant through the pressure side double wall. A fabrication method aligns the external pressure side plate and the internal pressure side plate to form the pressure flow redirection areas between the external pressure side plate and the internal pressure side plate.
Abstract:
A grain starter capable of nucleating a multiplicity of grains in a casting is positioned within a mold. The mold is filled with molten metal and a solidification interface is caused to pass from the grain starter through the molten metal by immersing the mold in a cooling bath to form a casting that has a multiplicity of grains nucleated by the grain starter.
Abstract:
The present invention comprises a plurality of single phase gamma TiAl alloys modified by Ta. These alloys comprise Ti.sub.(45-46) Al.sub.(50-51) Ta.sub.4 in atomic percent, and exhibit significant room temperature ductility, in the range of 1.3-2.1% tensile elongation. The alloys may be made by the use of cast and forging techniques.
Abstract:
A method for providing improved ductility in a gamma titanium aluminide is taught. The method involves adding inclusions of boron to the titanium aluminide containing chromium, carbon, and niobium and thermomechanically working the casting. Boron additions are made in concentrations between 0.5 and 2 atomic percent. Fine grain equiaxed microstructure is found from solidified melt. Property improvements are achieved by the thermomechanical processing.
Abstract:
A TiAl composition is prepared to have high strength and to have improved ductility by altering the atomic ratio of the titanium and aluminum to have what has been found to be a highly desirable effective aluminum concentration by addition of tungsten and rapid solidification from the melt according to the approximate formula Ti.sub.50-48 Al.sub.48 W.sub.2-4.