Manufacturable and inspectable cooling microcircuits for blade-outer-air-seals

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a cooling microcircuit in a blade-outer-air-seal is provided. The method broadly comprises the steps of forming a first section of the blade-outer-air-seal having a first exposed internal wall, forming a second section of the blade-outer-air-seal having a second exposed internal wall, and forming at least one cooling microcircuit on at least one of the first and second exposed internal walls. (end of abstract)

Manufacturable and inspectable cooling microcircuits for blade-outer-air-seals description/claims

Brief Patent Description

Full Patent Description

Patent Application Claims

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for fabricating a blade-outer-air-seal (BOAS) and to a BOAS manufactured thereby.

(2) Prior Art

As of today, the enabling technology for cooling microcircuits relies upon, and is implemented by, refractory metal cores in a double wall design. The refractory metal cores have an elevated melting temperature, making it desirable for processing during investment casting before being leached out and forming the intricate microcircuit passageways within the blade wall (hence the term double wall design).

One of the difficulties in forming cooling microcircuits in this fashion is the lack of an easy way to access the microcircuits for inspection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an aim of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing cooling microcircuits in BOAS which lends itself towards facilitating inspection of the microcircuits that are formed.

In accordance with the present invention, a method for manufacturing cooling microcircuits in BOAS is provided. The method broadly comprises the steps of forming a first section of the blade-outer-air-seal having a first exposed internal wall, forming a second section of the blade-outer-air-seal having a second exposed internal wall, and forming at least one cooling microcircuit on at least one of the first and second exposed internal walls.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, a blade-outer-air-seal is provided. The blade-outer-air-seal broadly comprises a cast first section, a cast second section, at least one cooling microcircuit intermediate the first and second sections, and a mating surface interlayer between the first and second sections.

Other details of the manufacturable and inspectable cooling microcircuits for blade-outer-air-seals, as well as other objects and advantages attendant thereto, are set forth in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals depict like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view showing the location of a blade-outer-air-seal;

FIG. 2 illustrates a microcircuit core for cooling passageways;

FIG. 3 illustrates a microcircuit manufacturing method with a split line construction in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a transient liquid phase bonding technique for joining sections of the blade-outer-air-seal together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

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