| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20090003988 | Vane assembly with metal trailing edge segment - Embodiments of the invention relate to a vane assembly formed by a forward airfoil segment and an aft airfoil segment. The aft segment is made of metal and can define the trailing edge of the vane assembly. The forward segment can be made of ceramic, CMC or metal. The forward and aft segments cannot be directly joined to each other because of differences in their rates of thermal expansion and contraction. The forward and aft segments can be positioned substantially proximate to each other so as to form a gap therebetween. In one embodiment, the gap can be substantially sealed by providing a coupling insert or leaf springs in the gap. A separate metal aft segment can take advantage of the beneficial thermal properties of the metal to improve cooling efficiency at the trailing edge without limiting the rest of the vane to being made out of metal. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20100032875 | Processing method for solid core ceramic matrix composite airfoil - A method of processing solid core ceramic matrix composite articles. The method improves the physical characteristics of the article by forming the airfoil using a co-processing method wherein a refractory ceramic is cast against a preformed ceramic matrix composite (CMC) shell. In one aspect, the shell is continuous to help prevent delaminations. In another aspect, the shell is open. In one embodiment, the article includes a split line. The split line helps the article to be less susceptible to damage caused from internal strain. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100056006 | MULTILAYERED CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE STRUCTURE HAVING INCREASED STRUCTURAL STRENGTH - A multilayer ceramic matrix composite structure is disclosed. The ceramic matrix composite structure may include a three-dimensional weave fabric forming a core layer. The ceramic matrix composite structure may also include a two-dimensional weave fabric attached to an outer top surface of the three-dimensional weave fabric such that the two-dimensional weave fabric forms a top layer, and a two-dimensional weave fabric attached to an outer bottom surface of the three-dimensional weave fabric generally opposite to the outer top surface such that the two-dimensional weave fabric forms a bottom layer. The structure may include increased interlaminar shear strength. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100104426 | TURBINE ENGINE RING SEAL - Aspects of the invention relate to a ring seal for a turbine engine. The ring seal can be made up of a plurality of circumferentially abutted ring seal segments. Each ring seal segment can comprise a plurality of individual channels. The channels can be generally U-shaped in cross-section with a forward span, and aft span and an extension connecting therebetween. The channels can be positioned such that the aft span of one channel can substantially abut the forward span of another channel. The plurality of separate channels can be detachably coupled to each other by, for example, a plurality of pins. The ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention can facilitate numerous advantageous characteristics including greater material selection, selective cooling, improved serviceability, and reduced blade tip leakage. Moreover, the configuration is well suited to handle the operational loads of the turbine. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20110008154 | Sealing Arrangement for Turbine Engine Having Ceramic Components - A sealing arrangement for use in a turbine engine having ceramic components. The sealing arrangement is retained in a seal gap formed between adjacent segments and is compliant to accommodate variations in the size of the seal gap as the adjacent segments move relative to one another. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110151239 | HIGH TEMPERATURE INSULATION AND INSULATED ARTICLE - An insulation ( | 06-23-2011 |
