Spf/db hollow core fan blade. [SuperPlastically Formed/Diffusion Bonded]

Patent · Tue Aug 31 04:00:00 EDT 1993

OSTI ID:5991249

Velicki, A

A hollow core rotor blade for a turbine engine, comprising: a generally airfoil-shaped outer structure comprised of a superplastically formed, diffusion bonded sheet material, the outer structure having a trailing edge and a leading edge and being comprised of a matrix structure, with generally longitudinally oriented composite fibers being embedded within the superplastically formed material to increase the bending stiffness of the blade, the leading edge having an outer surface; and a hollow core spacing enclosed by the outer structure; wherein the outer surface of the leading edge is formed from a single sheet of material and is therefore structurally continuous and seamless, thereby allowing the rotor blade to be relatively lightweight, efficient, and durable, wherein each surface layer is comprised of an antifretting material having sufficient strength to withstand stresses between the blade and rotor during engine operation and sufficient ductility for forming into the manufactured shape; and wherein the shim is disposed between the dovetail and the dovetail slot, such that a portion of the first surface layer of the shims contacts at least a portion of each side face of the dovetail, and such that a portion of the second surface layer of the shim contacts at least a portion of each side wall of the dovetail slot.

• Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp., Long Beach, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): A; US 5240376
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-738270
• OSTI ID: 5991249
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330103* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Turbine
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DUCTILITY
ENGINES
FABRICATION
GAS TURBINE ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MATERIALS
MATERIALS WORKING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
ROTORS
STRESSES
TENSILE PROPERTIES
TURBINE BLADES