Abstract: A fan blade comprises an airfoil portion and a sheath portion. The sheath portion has a sheath head section, a first sheath flank, and a second sheath flank, both flanks extending chordwise from the forward sheath section. The sheath portion is bonded to the airfoil portion such that the sheath head section covers the forward airfoil edge, defining a blade leading edge. The first sheath flank covers a portion of the first airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade suction surface. The second sheath flank covers a portion of the second airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade pressure surface. The first metallic material is an aluminum alloy containing between about 0.5 wt % and about 3.0 wt % of lithium.

Abstract: A fan blade is disclosed comprising a lightweight metallic airfoil portion and a high-strength sheath portion. The airfoil portion has a forward airfoil edge, a first airfoil surface, and a second airfoil surface. The sheath portion has a sheath head section, a first sheath flank, and a second sheath flank, both flanks extending chordwise from the forward sheath section. The sheath portion is bonded to the airfoil portion such that the sheath head section covers the forward airfoil edge, defining a blade leading edge. The first sheath flank covers a portion of the first airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade suction surface. The second sheath flank covers a portion of the second airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade pressure surface.

Abstract: A fan blade comprises an airfoil portion and a sheath portion. The sheath portion has a sheath head section, a first sheath flank, and a second sheath flank, both flanks extending chordwise from the forward sheath section. The sheath portion is bonded to the airfoil portion such that the sheath head section covers the forward airfoil edge, defining a blade leading edge. The first sheath flank covers a portion of the first airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade suction surface. The second sheath flank covers a portion of the second airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade pressure surface. The first metallic material is an aluminum alloy containing between about 0.5 wt % and about 3.0 wt % of lithium.

Abstract: A fan blade is disclosed comprising a lightweight metallic airfoil portion and a high-strength sheath portion. The airfoil portion has a forward airfoil edge, a first airfoil surface, and a second airfoil surface. The sheath portion has a sheath head section, a first sheath flank, and a second sheath flank, both flanks extending chordwise from the forward sheath section. The sheath portion is bonded to the airfoil portion such that the sheath head section covers the forward airfoil edge, defining a blade leading edge. The first sheath flank covers a portion of the first airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade suction surface. The second sheath flank covers a portion of the second airfoil surface proximate the airfoil forward edge, jointly defining a blade pressure surface.

Abstract: A blade includes a hollow metal airfoil having an opening to an internal cavity in a first major surface. A metal cover is adhesively bonded to a socket formed around the opening. The cover encloses the cavity and provides a continuous first major surface.

Abstract: A repair kit for replacing an unserviceable vane assembly in a turbine engine includes a serviceable vane subassembly 120 having a serviceable airfoil 124 with a base 134 attached to the root end thereof and an opposing base 156 which is unattached to but slidably engagable with the serviceable airfoil. The opposing base is slipped over the tip end of the airfoil and slid toward the opposing base. The vane subassembly and opposing base are pivoted into position between inner and outer engine cases in place of an unserviceable vane assembly so that receptor sockets 148, 150 in the attached base engage support pins 72 extending from the inner case. An adhesive 182 is applied to the tip end of the serviceable airfoil and the opposing base is translated into its installed position near the tip end of the airfoil. Upon curing of the adhesive, the opposing base becomes attached to the airfoil. The base is secured to the outer case by studs 196 and nuts 198.

Abstract: A process is described for inertia bonding a hollow shaft made of superalloy materials without causing compressive deformation in the shaft due to the high compressive forces generated in the segmented collet which grips the shaft. A method is also described for minimizing the residual stress in an inertia bonded joint, where the wall thicknesses of the two shaft portions to be bonded are unequal, by independently controlling the gripping forces on the portions so as to provide equal diameter reduction during the bonding process. A method for converting a front loading inertia bonding machine to a rear loading bonding machine is also described.

Abstract: A workpiece location and support means as described which is free from any tendency to locate the workpiece in a predetermined position. The workpiece is supported and located by a series of hydraulic actuators which in one condition permit the workpiece to move freely but in another hydraulic condition lock the workpiece in one place and do not permit motion thereof. The present invention has particular application as a workpiece support in inertia bonding machines.

Abstract: A method for inertia welding axially symmetric articles while controlling the gripping force applied to the rotating component is described. A spacer inserted into the rotating headstock creates an alternative path for the axial force in excess of that required for causing gripping of the rotating component, and thus minimizes distortion of the inertia welded article. This is particularly useful in welding high strength superalloy articles, where extremely high axial forces are required to produce an adequate weld joint.