PART FOR AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURING METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a part (14) for an aircraft turbomachine (1), comprising a titanium alloy, characterized in that the part (14) has an equiaxed microstructure or a duplex microstructure formed from a beta phase titanium matrix (140) comprising primary alpha phase titanium nodules (141) and secondary alpha phase titanium needles (142), the duplex microstructure comprising a surface rate of primary alpha phase titanium nodules (141) greater than 20%, and the secondary alpha phase titanium needles (142) having a dimension greater than or equal to 400 nm. Figure No. 4c

Description

Title of the invention: PART FOR AN AIRCRAFT TURBOMACHINE AND ASSOCIATED MANUFACTURING METHOD Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of titanium alloy parts for aircraft turbomachines and methods for manufacturing these parts. The invention relates in particular to the field of titanium alloy parts forming protective shields for the leading edges of aircraft turbomachine blades. Technical background

[0002] An aircraft turbomachine generally comprises, from upstream to downstream, a fan, a low-pressure compressor, a high-pressure compressor, a combustion chamber, a high-pressure turbine, a low-pressure turbine and a gas exhaust nozzle. The rotor of the high-pressure compressor is connected to the rotor of the high-pressure turbine by a high-pressure shaft and the rotor of the low-pressure compressor is connected to the rotor of the low-pressure turbine by a low-pressure shaft.

[0003] The fan, compressors or even turbines are equipped with blades regularly distributed on a hub. A blade typically comprises a blade possibly connected to the root for fixing the blade to the hub. The blade has an aerodynamic shape comprising an intrados face and an extrados face, the faces being connected by a leading edge and a trailing edge. In order to reduce the weight of the blades, blades made of composite material have been proposed. The composite material is for example an organic matrix composite (OMC) typically comprising a polymer matrix chosen from epoxy resins for example and reinforcing fibers embedded in the matrix.

[0004] During aircraft flight, the blades, and in particular the leading edge of the blades, may be subjected to impacts and wear which significantly degrade the composite material of the blades. To protect the blades, it has therefore been proposed to arrange a protective shield on the leading edge of the blades. The protective shield comprises an intrados fin and an extrados fin connected by a central core. The core extends along the leading edge while the intrados fin extends over the intrados face of the blade and the extrados fin extends over the extrados face of the blade. The protective shield is made of titanium alloy which has good impact and wear properties. The protective shield is typically fixed to the leading edge by gluing.

[0005] In order to optimize the quality of bonding of the protective shield on the leading edge, It is known to carry out surface preparation of the protective shield by chemical stripping. However, it is observed that chemical stripping of the leading edge shield leads to very high friability of the leading edge, so that a powder forms on the stripped face.

[0006] In order to remove this powder, document FR 3 099 997 proposes carrying out an additional rinsing step in an ultrasonic bath of the part after chemical stripping and before the bonding step.

[0007] Although this additional rinsing step makes it possible to remove the powder formed by chemical stripping and thus significantly increase the bonding quality of the protective shield on the leading edge, this solution has drawbacks. Indeed, this additional rinsing step increases the manufacturing time of the protective shields, resulting in a significant additional manufacturing cost. Also, it is necessary to have an ultrasonic tank, which further increases the manufacturing cost of the shield. Finally, such a tank requires maintenance, further increasing the manufacturing cost of the shield.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need to provide a titanium alloy part for aircraft turbomachines, such as a protective shield for a leading edge of a blade, which directly after surface preparation by chemical stripping has good bonding properties with the leading edge of the blade while being easy to manufacture and inexpensive. Summary of the invention

[0009] For this purpose, the invention proposes a part for an aircraft turbomachine, comprising a titanium alloy.

[0010] According to the invention, the titanium alloy has an equiaxial type microstructure or a duplex type microstructure.

[0011] According to the invention, the duplex-type microstructure is formed from a beta-phase titanium matrix comprising primary alpha-phase titanium nodules and secondary alpha-phase titanium needles.

[0012] According to the invention, the duplex type microstructure comprises a surface rate of primary alpha phase titanium nodules greater than 20%, and the secondary alpha phase titanium needles have a dimension greater than or equal to 400 nm.

[0013] It has been found that chemical stripping preferentially attacks the alpha phase of the titanium alloy constituting the leading edge shield rather than the beta phase, which is richer in vanadium. At the end of chemical stripping, the beta phase is then in relief and is devoid of surrounding alpha phase, which has the effect of generating a friable, porous and poorly adherent material forming a powder on the surface of the shield.

[0014] The microstructure according to the invention makes it possible to dispense with the small beta phase size which would be devoid of surrounding alpha phase. Thus, the stripping of the part according to the invention is devoid of the disadvantages linked to the stripping of parts of the prior art not comprising this particular microstructure.

[0015] More particularly, thanks to an equiaxed microstructure or a duplex microstructure according to the invention, in particular to the presence of a high surface rate of nodules and needles of large width (transverse dimension), the quantity of beta phase is reduced. Thus, despite a preferential attack of the alpha phase during a surface treatment by chemical stripping, the quantity of beta phase found in relief is greatly reduced at the end of this stripping.

[0016] Furthermore, the beta phase after stripping is less friable and less isolated than in parts having the microstructures of the prior art.

[0017] Consequently, the amount of powder generated on the surface of the part is greatly reduced compared to a part of the prior art. Indeed, a powder rate of only 1.8% can be generated on the surface of the part according to the invention after chemical stripping while a powder rate of 22% is generally generated on the surface of the part of the prior art.

[0018] Following chemical stripping, the part according to the invention therefore has good bonding properties. The part is therefore compatible with direct bonding.

[0019] Thanks to the invention, no additional ultrasonic rinsing step is necessary after chemical stripping of the part and prior to bonding of the part. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of the part by 90% compared to a manufacturing method involving an ultrasonic rinsing step. The manufacturing cost of the part is also greatly reduced since no ultrasonic tank is necessary.

[0020] In the present application, the alpha phase (a) refers to a hexagonal close-packed titanium crystallographic structure and the beta phase (|3) refers to a body-centered cubic titanium crystallographic structure.

[0021] In the present application, nodule means an arrangement of alpha phase in a substantially spherical form called primary alpha. Needle means an alpha phase of acicular morphology called secondary alpha.

[0022] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the microstructure of the titanium alloy of the part is of the equiaxed type.

[0023] Such a microstructure is characterized by the presence of large alpha phase grains, the beta phase being predominantly present at the grain boundaries.

[0024] In particular, an equiaxed microstructure does not comprise an alpha phase in the form of a needle, which makes it possible to limit the quantity of powder at the end of the chemical stripping step.

[0025] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the microstructure of the alloy of The titanium of the part is of duplex type.

[0026] Such a microstructure is characterized by the presence of alpha nodules and beta structure grains, said beta structure grains further comprising so-called “secondary” alpha phase titanium needles.

[0027] According to this second mode, the surface rate of nodules is greater than 20% and the secondary alpha phase titanium needles have a dimension greater than or equal to 400 nm, which makes it possible to limit the quantity of powder at the end of the chemical stripping step.

[0028] The invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken in isolation from one another or in combination with one another:

[0029] - the surface rate of nodules is between 30% and 90%, preferably between 30% and 70%,

[0030] - the dimension of the needles is greater than 500 nm, advantageously greater than 600 nm,

[0031] - the titanium alloy is grade TA6V,

[0032] - the part is a protective shield having a U or V-shaped profile comprising an intrados fin and an extrados fin connected by a central core.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a final part for an aircraft turbomachine according to any one of the preceding characteristics, the final part comprising a titanium alloy, the titanium alloy having an equiaxial type microstructure or a duplex type microstructure formed from a beta phase titanium matrix comprising primary alpha phase titanium nodules and secondary alpha phase titanium needles, the duplex type microstructure comprising a surface rate of primary alpha phase titanium nodules greater than 20%, and the secondary alpha phase titanium needles having a dimension greater than or equal to 400 nm, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following chronological steps:

[0034] (a) providing an initial titanium alloy part having an initial microstructure duplex type formed from a beta phase titanium matrix comprising primary alpha phase titanium nodules and secondary alpha phase titanium needles,

[0035] (b) heat treating the part,

[0036] (c) optionally, carry out a surface preparation of the part.

[0037] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation from one another or in combination with one another:

[0038] - heat treatment step (b) comprises the following sub-steps:

[0039] (bl) heating the part to a temperature between 500°C and 1500°C,

[0040] (b2) cooling the part,

[0041] - the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out at a speed of between between 0.5°C / min and 100°C / min, advantageously between 0.5°C / min and 80°C / min, preferably between 0.5°C / min and 50°C / min,

[0042] - the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out in an oven or a thermally insulating cover,

[0043] - the sub-step (bl) of heating the part is carried out at a temperature between between 600°C and 1000°C,

[0044] - the sub-step (bl) of heating the room is carried out for a longer duration or equal to 60 min, preferably between 60 min and 180 min, even more preferably between 60 min and 120 min,

[0045] - step (b) is carried out under an inert atmosphere,

[0046] - between steps (b) and (c), a step (b') of machining the part,

[0047] - step (c) of surface preparation of the part comprises a sub-step (cl) of chemical stripping. Brief description of the figures

[0048] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0049] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation in axial section of a half-aircraft turbomachine;

[0050] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective representation of a blade equipping the turbomachine of [Fig.l];

[0051] [Fig.3] is a cross-sectional view of a part according to the invention fixed to the leading edge of the blade of [Fig.2];

[0052] [Fig.4a] is a scanning electron microscopy image (1000x magnification) of a protective shield according to the prior art after chemical stripping;

[0053] [Fig.4b] is a scanning electron microscopy image (2500x magnification) of a protective shield according to the prior art after chemical stripping;

[0054] [Fig.4c] is a scanning electron microscopy image (1000x magnification) of a protective shield according to the invention after chemical stripping;

[0055] [Fig.4d] is a scanning electron microscopy image (magnification 2500x) of a protective shield according to the invention after chemical stripping;

[0056] [Fig.5a] is a scanning electron microscopy image (300x magnification) of tape applied to a protective shield according to the prior art after chemical stripping;

[0057] [Fig.5b] is a scanning electron microscopy image (magnification 300x) of tape applied to a protective shield according to the invention after stripping chemical;

[0058] [Fig.6] is a block diagram of a manufacturing method according to the invention,

[0059] [Fig.7] is a block diagram of another example of a manufacturing process according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0060] An aircraft turbomachine 1 is for example shown in [Fig.l].

[0061] The turbomachine 1 extends along a longitudinal axis A. It comprises from upstream to downstream in the direction of flow of the gases F along the longitudinal axis A, a fan 2, at least one compressor such as a low-pressure compressor 3 and a high-pressure compressor 4, a combustion chamber 5, at least one turbine 6 such as a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine, and a nozzle (not shown).

[0062] The rotor of the low pressure turbine is connected to the fan 2 and to the rotor of the low pressure compressor 3 by a low pressure shaft 7. The rotor of the high pressure turbine is connected to the rotor of the high pressure compressor 4 by a high pressure shaft 8 arranged coaxially around the low pressure shaft 7.

[0063] The turbomachine 1 further optionally comprises a nacelle 9 surrounding the fan 2.

[0064] The turbomachine 1 further comprises a rectifier 10. The rectifier 10 makes it possible to straighten the flow at the outlet of a rotor located upstream in order to provide maximum thrust at the outlet of the turbomachine 1. In the particular example of [Fig.l], the rectifier 10 is located downstream of the fan 2. The rectifier 10 is for example arranged between the low pressure compressor 3 and the high pressure compressor 4 and inside the nacelle 9.

[0065] The blower 2 allows the suction of an air flow dividing into a primary flow F1 and a secondary flow F2. The primary flow F1 passes through a primary vein of the turbomachine 1 while the secondary flow F2 is directed towards a secondary vein surrounding the primary vein.

[0066] The primary flow F1 is compressed within the low-pressure compressor 3 and then the high-pressure compressor 4. The compressed air is then mixed with a fuel and burned within the combustion chamber 5. The gases formed by the combustion pass through the high-pressure turbine and the low-pressure turbine. The gases finally escape through the nozzle, the cross-section of which allows the acceleration of these gases to generate propulsion. The secondary flow F2 passes through the rectifier 10, which accelerates the circulation speed of the secondary flow F2 to generate propulsion.

[0067] The blower 2, the compressors 3, 4, the turbines 6 and the rectifier 10 are equipped with a set of blades 11. The blades 11 are mobile or fixed in rotation around the longitudinal axis A. The blades 11 extend radially relative to the longitudinal axis A. As best seen in [Fig.2], each blade 11 comprises a blade 12 and a part 14.

[0068] The blade 12 extends along an elongation axis X. The elongation axis X of the blade 12 extends radially relative to the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine 1 after mounting the blade 11 on the turbomachine 1. The blade 12 has an aerodynamic profile. The blade 12 thus comprises an extrados face 12e and an intrados face 12i connected by a leading edge 12a and a trailing edge 12b. The blade 12 thus extends along a transverse axis Y between the leading edge 12a and the trailing edge 12b. The transverse axis Y is perpendicular to the elongation axis X. The blade 12 further extends longitudinally along the elongation axis X between a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

[0069] The blade 12 is made of composite material. The composite material is for example an organic matrix composite (OMC). The composite material comprises a polymer matrix and a fibrous reinforcement embedded in the matrix. The matrix is for example a thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer matrix. The thermosetting material is for example an epoxy polymer. The fibrous reinforcement comprises fibers which are for example carbon fibers or glass fibers. The fibers are organized for example in the form of a fibrous preform.

[0070] The blade 11 further comprises a root 13. The root 13 is in particular connected to the second end of the blade 12, the first opposite end being free. The root 13 is furthermore fixed to a hub (not shown) centered on the longitudinal axis A of the turbomachine 1.

[0071] The part 14 extends over the leading edge 12a and advantageously along the entire length of the leading edge 12a. The part 14 is advantageously a protective shield having an elongated dihedral shape. It is intended to protect the leading edge 12a from external impacts and wear. As best seen in [Fig.3], the part 14 has a U-shaped or V-shaped profile. The part 14 comprises a lower surface fin 14a and an upper surface fin 14b connected to the lower surface fin 14a by a central core 14j. The lower surface and upper surface fins 14a, 14b define between them a cavity in which the leading edge 12a is arranged. The intrados fin 14a has a first free longitudinal end and the extrados fin 14b has a second free longitudinal end which are opposite the central core 14j. The longitudinal ends extend respectively on the intrados face 12i and the extrados face 12e of the blade 12.Advantageously, the thickness of the part 14 is variable. For example, the thickness of the central core 14j is greater than the thicknesses of the first and second lateral fins 14a, 14b. Advantageously, the thickness of the intrados and extrados fins 14a, 14b decreases in the direction of the trailing edge 12b of the blade 12. The fins 14a, 14b are . tapered towards the trailing edge 12b of the blade 12.

[0072] The part 14 is fixed to the leading edge 12a by gluing. The blade 11 comprises at least one layer of glue 15 arranged between the blade 12 and the part 14.

[0073] According to the invention, the part 14 comprises a titanium alloy. The titanium alloy is advantageously the TA6V grade. Advantageously, the titanium alloy has a microstructure of the duplex or equiaxial type.

[0074] According to a first embodiment, the microstructure is of the duplex type. According to the invention, the duplex type microstructure of the titanium alloy is formed from a matrix 140 of titanium with a beta phase crystalline structure and comprising nodules 141 of titanium with a primary alpha phase crystalline structure and needles 142 of titanium with a secondary alpha phase crystalline structure.

[0075] As is well known, the alpha phase refers to a hexagonal close-packed titanium crystal structure. The beta phase refers to a centered cubic titanium crystal structure.

[0076] In the present application, nodule means an arrangement of alpha phase in spherical and discrete form called primary alpha. Needle means an alpha phase of acicular morphology called secondary alpha.

[0077] According to the invention, the duplex type microstructure has a surface rate of the primary alpha phase titanium nodules 141 in the matrix 140 greater than 20%, advantageously between 30% and 90% and more preferably between 30% and 70%. The surface rate corresponds to the percentage of the cumulative surface of nodules relative to the total observation surface. The surface rate can be measured by imaging, for example by microscopy, on a sample of the part 14.

[0078] The needles 142 have an elongated shape along a longitudinal direction of the needle 142. They have a transverse dimension greater than 400 nm, in particular greater than 500 nm and advantageously greater than 600 nm. The transverse dimension of the needles is measured along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transverse dimension of the needles can be measured by microscopy.

[0079] Such a duplex microstructure of the titanium alloy of the part 14 makes it possible to reduce the quantity of powder after chemical stripping of the part 14 prior to its bonding to the blade 12. Indeed, the quantity of beta phase being reduced, despite a preferential attack of the alpha phase during chemical stripping of the part 14 generating a raised beta phase responsible for the formation of powder, the quantity of powder formed is greatly reduced. The part 14 can therefore be bonded to the blade 12 after chemical stripping without a rinsing step following the stripping.

[0080] According to a second embodiment, the microstructure is of the equiaxed type as seen in Figures 4c and 4d. Such a microstructure offers the same advantages as those mentioned above.

[0081] A method of manufacturing the part 14 will now be described with reference to [Fig.6].

[0082] The method comprises the following chronological steps:

[0083] (a) providing an initial titanium alloy part having an initial microstructure duplex type formed from a beta phase titanium matrix comprising primary alpha phase titanium nodules and secondary alpha phase titanium needles,

[0084] (b) heat treating the part,

[0085] (c) optionally, carrying out a surface preparation of the part 14.

[0086] In step (a), the initial part can be produced for example by forging. At the end of this step, the initial microstructure of the titanium alloy can have a surface rate of the primary alpha phase titanium nodules 141 in the matrix of less than 20% and needles with a transverse dimension of less than 400 nm.

[0087] During step (a) the surface rate of primary alpha phase titanium nodules is less than 20%, and the secondary alpha phase titanium needles have a dimension less than 400 nm.

[0088] Step (b) of heat treatment of the part makes it possible to modify the initial microstructure of the titanium alloy and to result in a final microstructure of the titanium alloy with a surface rate of the nodules 141 of primary alpha phase titanium in the matrix greater than 20% and in which the needles have a transverse dimension greater than 300 nm or an equiaxial type microstructure. Step (b) therefore makes it possible to result in the part 14 of the invention.

[0089] Preferably, step (b) comprises the following sub-steps in chronological order:

[0090] (bl) heating the part to a temperature between 500°C and 1500°C, preferably between 600°C and 1000°C, even more preferably between 930°C and 960°C,

[0091] (b2) cool the room.

[0092] Preferably, the sub-step (bl) of heating the room is carried out for a duration greater than or equal to 60 min, preferably between 60 min and 180 min, even more preferably between 60 min and 120 min. Such a heating duration makes it possible to homogenize the temperature of the room.

[0093] Preferably, the sub-step (bl) of heating the part is carried out in an oven or in an oven.

[0094] Preferably, the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out at a speed of between 0.5°C / min and 100°C / min, advantageously of between 0.5°C / min and 80°C / min, even more advantageously of between 0.5°C / min and 50°C / min, and even more advantageously of between 0.5°C / min and 40°C / min.

[0095] Very advantageously, the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out according to a first example in a thermally insulating blanket. The thermally insulating blanket is for example made of ceramic material. It comprises for example a ceramic fiber sheet. According to a second example, the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out in a furnace. The insulating blanket and the furnace make it possible to ensure a slow cooling rate of the part. The furnace is particularly advantageous in that it allows precise control of this cooling rate.

[0096] The slow cooling rate of the part makes it possible to modify the microstructure of the titanium alloy to result in a high surface rate of nodules 141 and needles 142 of large transverse dimensions or even an equiaxed microstructure.

[0097] Advantageously, according to a first embodiment, the heat treatment step (b) is carried out under an inert atmosphere. It is for example carried out under vacuum or under argon. Such an embodiment makes it possible to prevent the formation of an oxide layer on the surface of the part 14 during the heat treatment of the part.

[0098] Alternatively, and with reference to [Fig.7], after step (b) of heat treatment and before step (c) of surface preparation of the part 14, the method comprises a step (b') of machining the part 14. The machining is for example mechanical machining carried out by milling.

[0099] When step (b) of heat treatment of the part is carried out in a medium that is not protective against oxidation of the part 14, a layer of oxides forms on the surface of the part 14 which could reduce the mechanical performance of the part 14. The machining step (b') makes it possible to remove such a layer of oxides.

[0100] Step (c) of surface preparation of the part 14 makes it possible to improve the bonding properties of the part 14 on the blade 12. Advantageously, step (c) of surface preparation comprises, in chronological order, the following sub-steps:

[0101] (cO) optionally, degrease part 14,

[0102] (cl) chemically strip part 14,

[0103] (c2) optionally, apply a bonding primer to the part 14.

[0104] The degreasing sub-step (cO) is for example carried out in an alkaline bath. alkaline bath comprises an aqueous solution and sodium hydroxide at a concentration by weight of between 5% and 35% in the aqueous solution. Advantageously, sub-step (cO) is carried out for a duration of between 1 min and 30 min. The temperature of the alkaline bath is for example between 40°C and 70°C.

[0105] The chemical stripping sub-step (cl) is for example carried out in an alkaline bath. The latter advantageously comprises a stripper based on hydroxide of sodium in aqueous solution. The percentage by weight of this stripper in the solution is between 50% and 100%. Advantageously, sub-step (cl) is carried out for a duration of between 5 min and 20 min. The temperature of this bath is for example between 50°C and 90°C. This sub-step makes it possible to create asperities on the surface of the part 14 which are favorable to the bonding of the part 14 to the blade 12.

[0106] Advantageously, after sub-step (c1) and before sub-step (c2), a sub-step of neutralizing the alkaline bath on the part 14 is carried out. The neutralization is for example carried out in an acid bath. The acid bath comprises an aqueous solution based on nitric acid. The duration of this sub-step is for example between 1 min and 10 min. The temperature of this acid bath is for example between 10°C and 40°C.

[0107] In sub-step (c2), the bonding primer is for example applied by spraying. The bonding primer is for example an epoxy resin or a phenolic resin or a mixture thereof. Then, an optional sub-step of drying the part 14 can be carried out. The drying can be carried out in an oven or in an oven at a temperature for example between 50°C and 200°C. This makes it possible to polymerize the resin. A sub-step of functionalizing the part 14 can also be carried out after drying, for example by plasma treatment.

[0108] Thanks to the heat treatment of the part 14, the microstructure of the titanium alloy is modified to create a high surface rate of nodules and needles of large thicknesses or an equiaxed microstructure. This makes it possible to reduce the quantity of beta phase. Thus, despite a preferential attack of the alpha phase during the surface treatment by chemical pickling, the quantity of beta phase found in a small width relief and without surrounding alpha phase is greatly reduced at the end of this pickling. Consequently, the quantity of powder generated on the surface of the part 14 is greatly reduced compared to a part of the prior art. Indeed, a powder rate of only 1.8% is generated on the surface of the part 14 after chemical pickling according to the method of the invention while a powder rate of 22% is generated on the surface of the part of the prior art, that is to say without prior heat treatment.

[0109] Thanks to the invention, no additional ultrasonic rinsing step is necessary after chemical stripping of the part 14 and prior to bonding of the part 14. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing time of the part by 90% compared to a manufacturing method involving an ultrasonic rinsing step. The manufacturing cost of the part 14 is also greatly reduced since no ultrasonic tank is necessary. Examples

[0110] A witness piece made of titanium alloy and having a duplex type microstructure not in accordance with the invention was carried out and subjected directly to chemical stripping in an alkaline bath based on sodium hydroxide in aqueous solution at a volume concentration of 85% for 16 min at 90°C.

[0111] In parallel, a part made of titanium alloy and having a duplex type microstructure not in accordance with the invention was produced and subjected to heat treatment comprising the steps of heating the part to 930°C in a furnace for a duration of 1 h, then cooling the part at a rate of 0.5°C / min.

[0112] The part was then subjected to chemical stripping in an alkaline bath based on sodium hydroxide in solution at a mass concentration of 85%, for 16 min at 90°C.

[0113] A sample of each part was then prepared and an observation under a scanning electron microscope was carried out.

[0114] The images of the control part are presented in Figures 4a, 4b and the images of the part according to the invention are presented in Figures 4c, 4d. The part according to the invention presented in Figures 4c, 4d have an equiaxed microstructure thanks to the heat treatment of the invention.

[0115] An adhesive test was also carried out on each part by applying a standardized NITTO adhesive tape. The adhesive tape is applied manually and then pressure is applied to the tape. After a period of approximately 2 min, the tape is removed by peeling at an angle of 60°. An observation under a scanning electron microscope of each tape was carried out. The image of the control tape is shown in [Fig.5a] and the image of the tape of the part according to the invention is shown in [Fig.5b].

[0116] As visible, the rate of fragile beta phase is significant in Figures 4a, 4b compared to Figures 4c, 4d. The heat treatment makes it possible to significantly reduce the rate of fragile beta phase after chemical stripping.

[0117] This results in a significant reduction in the generated powder rate. As seen in [Fig.5a] the surface rate of powder is 22% while in [Fig.5b] the powder rate is only 1.8%.

[0118] The heat treatment therefore leads to a microstructure of the alloy which makes it possible to divide the surface rate of powder by 12 after chemical stripping, allowing the part to be bonded without a prior rinsing step. The manufacturing time of the part is then reduced by 90%.

Claims

Claims

1. Part (14) for an aircraft turbomachine (1), the part (14) being a protective shield having a U or V-shaped profile comprising an intrados fin (14a) and an extrados fin (14b) connected by a central core (14j), the protective shield comprising a titanium alloy of grade TA6V, characterized in that the titanium alloy has an equiaxed type microstructure or a duplex type microstructure formed of a matrix (140) of beta phase titanium comprising nodules (141) of primary alpha phase titanium with a surface rate greater than 20% and needles (142) of secondary alpha phase titanium having a transverse dimension greater than or equal to 400 nm.

2. Part according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the surface rate of nodules (141) is between 30% and 90%, preferably between 30% and 70%.

3. Part according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transverse dimension of the needles (142) is greater than 500 nm, advantageously greater than 600 nm.

4. Method for manufacturing a part (14) for an aircraft turbomachine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following chronological steps: (a) providing a titanium alloy part having an initial duplex-type microstructure formed from a beta-phase titanium matrix comprising primary alpha-phase titanium nodules and secondary alpha-phase titanium needles, (b) heat-treating the part, the heat-treatment step (b) comprises the following sub-steps: (bl) heating the part to a temperature between 500°C and 1500°C, (b2) cooling the part, and (c) optionally, carrying out a surface preparation of the part (14).

5. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out at a speed of between 0.5°C / min and 100°C / min, advantageously between 0.5°C / min and 80°C / min, preferably between 0.5°C / min and 50°C / min.

6. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that the sub-step (b2) of cooling the part is carried out in an oven or a thermally insulating blanket.

7. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the sub-step (bl) of heating the part is carried out at a temperature between 600°C and 1000°C.

8. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the sub-step (bl) of heating the part is carried out for a duration greater than or equal to 60 min, preferably between 60 min and 180 min, even more preferably between 60 min and 120 min.

9. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that step (b) is carried out under an inert atmosphere.

10. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that it comprises between steps (b) and (c), a step (b') of machining the part (14).

11. Method according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that step (c) of surface preparation of the part (14) comprises a sub-step (cl) of chemical stripping.

Images