Multi-part cast turbine engine component having an internal cooling channel and method of forming a multi-part cast turbine engine component

Abstract

A multi-part cast component for a turbine engine includes a first component section having a main body portion including at least one cooling flow passage section, and a second component section having a main body including at least one cooling flow passage section. The first and second component sections are joined along a parting line to form a turbine engine component with the at least one cooling flow passage section of the first component section aligning with the at least one cooling flow passage of the second component section to form a cooling flow channel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains to the art of turbine engines and, more particularly, to a two part cast turbine engine component having internally formed cooling cavities.[0002]In general, gas turbine engines combust a fuel / air mixture to release heat energy in the form of a high temperature gas stream that is channeled to a turbine section via a hot gas path. More specifically, a compressor compresses incoming air to a high pressure. The high pressure air is delivered to a combustion chamber to mix with fuel and form a combustible mixture. The combustible mixture is then ignited to form a high pressure, high velocity gas stream which is delivered to the turbine. The high pressure air impacts upon rotor blades or buckets that form part of a turbine rotor assembly. In this manner, the turbine converts thermal energy from the high temperature, high velocity gas stream to mechanical energy that rotates a turbine shaft.[0003]In many cases, a cooling gas ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]It should be appreciated that the present invention provides a two part cast turbine engine component having an interior cooling channel whose formation is readily formed and which can be easily visually inspected while avoiding many of the drawbacks associated with other casting methods. In any event, additional objects, features and advantages of the various aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.

Problems solved by technology

In either case, the passages are difficult to manufacture, expensive, and limited in shape.

In addition, ceramic cores can react negatively with various alloys used in creating the blades.

Moreover, ceramic cores are fragile and prone to shifting and breakage.

Finally, internal surfaces of the passages may contain residual core defects, bad grain orientation or finning.

The above manufacturing methods make visual inspection of the passages difficult, if not impossible.

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