An advanced powder metallurgy repair process called Liburdi Powder Metallurgy (LPM) has been developed for the repair, overlay or joining of nickel and cobalt-based high-temperature alloys. This process involves mechanical cleaning, followed by the application and consolidation of a filler metal powder, which has substantially the same composition as the base metal, and produces joints with mechanical properties similar to those of the parent material. While previously activated braze or “wide-gap” repair processes have been limited to clearances of approximately 1 mm, the LPM technique has the ability to bridge larger gaps of over 5 mm. In addition, the LPM joints contain significantly lower concentrations of melting point depressants such as silicon and boron than conventional wide-gap repair techniques and exhibit superior microstructural features. The characteristics and typical applications of the LPM process for blade and vane repairs are highlighted and the results of laboratory and engine tests are discussed.
Material degradation is one of the primary causes of gas-turbine hot section component retirement. This is characterized by microstructural aging and subsequent loss of creep strength. Under the same temperature conditions, the longer components remain in service, the more microstructural degradation occurs. This can be evaluated both through microscopy and stress-rupture tests, quantifying the material strength under high temperature, constant load creep conditions. In an effort to extend component life and reduce replacement part costs, material rejuvenation processes have been developed and implemented over the past few decades. In total over 35 commercial superalloy rejuvenation processes were studied and it was found that many alloys can be successfully rejuvenated but others pose a greater challenge. Issues of grain growth in forged turbine components and recrystallization in single crystal components impose limits on rejuvenation processes and are areas of ongoing development. The feasibility, successes and limitations of material rejuvenation are reviewed in this paper with a particular focus on the following superalloys: GTD111, IN738, and Nimonic 115. Examples of microstructure and stress-rupture life of turbine components in both the service-exposed and rejuvenated condition are presented. Component microstructure is shown to be restored, and the stress-rupture life following rejuvenation is returned to a condition fit for continued service.
This paper presents the results of a study conducted to determine the life expectancy of a power turbine disk. The purpose of the study is to revisit the original design calculations with current numerical computing techniques. By determining the state of stress and temperature in the vicinity of the stress concentrations, combined with material properties, the life expectancy of power turbine disks can be established.
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