Abstract: First and second superalloy workpieces are inertia welded together by rotating the first workpiece to an initial contact speed greater than about 750 surface feet per minute, and frictionally engaging under a weld load the first and second workpieces to effect an inertia weld therebetween.

Abstract: A blade containment system is disclosed which includes an annular casing positioned radially outward of the blades and in surrounding relationship therewith, the annular casing including a plurality of ribs on the outer radial surface thereof, wherein the ribs limit the propagation of cracks and holes formed in the annular casing.

Abstract: A blade containment system is disclosed which includes an annular casing positioned radially outward of the blades and in surrounding relationship therewith, the annular casing including a plurality of composite tapes bonded to the outer or inner radial surfaces thereof, wherein the composite tapes limit the propagation of cracks and holes formed in the annular casing.

Abstract: A compressor discharge flowpath for a gas turbine engine includes flowpath outer and inner walls joined to a plurality of circumferentially spaced flowpath dividers extending therebetween. An inner support extends from the inner wall and is joined to a turbine nozzle, and an outer support extends from the outer wall and is joined to an engine casing. The outer support preferably includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced beams being sized and configured for carrying both axial force and torque transmitted therethrough from the turbine nozzle to the casing while allowing the beams to bend radially for accommodating differential thermal movement between the casing and the outer wall.