Abstract: The invention concerns the application of a layer of ceramic or glass particles to the surface of a substrate which is to be heated. The glass or ceramic particles are sized and mixed with an organic binder which yields a thin slurry consistency. The carrier or binder hardens. The part is subjected to a running environment with air flow directed across its surface, and then inspected after test to determine flow direction and possibly relative magnitude of the flow. This binder leaves essentially no residue after combustion and holds the glassy particles together so they adhere to the substrate at low temperature. The glass or ceramic particles in the coating are chosen to have a melting point below the operating temperature of the surface so that the applique will flow in the direction of gas movement. Additionally, the choice of melting point is made to give the coating a viscosity which permits enough "smearing" at the velocity and time of interest for visual inspection.

Abstract: A multi-line fluid supply manifold assembly comprising multiple parallel fluid supply lines for supplying fluid through a common block section to a fluid-receiving member. The assembly contains individual fluid supply fittings to which the fluid supply lines are attached, such as by crimping. The fluid supply fittings are detachable from the assembly so that the fuel lines can be crimped thereto without interference.

Abstract: Reinforced metallic or intermetallic alloy matrix composite materials which are reinforced by the incorporation of preferably small-diameter ceramic fibers infiltrated within a metal bonding layer. The bonding layer comprises a foil, such as copper, which forms a molten eutectic alloy with the major metal of the matrix alloy, such as titanium, and infiltrates the fibers to form a unitary reinforced composite.

Abstract: Two gas turbine engines are interconnected through a pneumatic, mechanical, hydraulic, or power link. This power link runs from the gas producer shaft of one engine to the gas producer shaft of the other engine either delivering or absorbing power directly to or from each other. The gas producer section of a gas turbine engine comprises a compressor directly coupled to a turbine which drives the compressor and a combustor positioned between the compressor and the turbine. The unit delivers hot gases to another turbine on a separate independent shaft which is the output power shaft for the engine. Through the use of clutches, swash plates or valves, selectable operating modes are achieved. Such a two engine system has been found to exhibit superior performance over a single engine system which includes maximum power boost and better full consumption at low powers.

Abstract: A supersonic combustion air breathing jet engine and method of igniting fuel. The engine has means for providing a spatially controlled combustion distribution of fuel with an ignitor that provides a volumetrically diffuse discharge of energy to initiate a controlled relatively rapid combustion of fuel in a combustion zone such that combustion distribution in relatively high speed gas flows through the combustion zone can be initiated and controlled without dependence upon a flame holder or relatively high local static gas temperature in the combustion zone.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for use in the combustor section of a gas turbine engine is provided with first and second manifolds of toroidal configuration. First outlet nozzles of a plurality of fuel injectors associated with the first manifold are positioned at spaced circumferential locations lying in a common plane at similar radial distances from the centerline of the engine. Second outlet nozzles of a plurality of fuel injectors associated with the second manifold are similarly positioned but evenly spaced from the first outlet nozzles. Fittings for the fuel injectors are joined by means of flexible tubing and are similarly joined to a fuel inlet fitting for connection to a source of fuel. By providing a pair of separate manifolds and flexible tubing interconnecting the fittings of adjacent pairs of fitting for the injectors, outlet nozzles for the fuel injectors can achieve a more dense configuration, their assembly and maintenance can be substantially simplified, and vibratory stresses are minimized.

Abstract: Apparatus for releasably clamping a range of sizes of complex shaped articles having an upright web and laterally disposed upper and lower flanges. A first set of upper and lower flanges of an article placed on a work platform extends towards a first edge of the platform and a second set of upper and lower flanges extends towards a second edge thereof. One C-clamp on one side of the article terminating at a tip end is movable between an inactive position distant from the work platform and an active position at which the tip end grippingly engages one of the lower flanges of the article. As the C-clamp moves between the inactive and active positions, the tip end follows a path other than a continuous smooth arc so as to avoid striking the upper flange of the article. Another C-clamp, similarly constructed and operated, is provided on the other side of the article.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine which includes a starter/generator mechanically coupled thereto and an electric oil pump motor for driving an oil pump is started in a manner which assures a continuous and uninterrupted supply of lubricating oil to the moving components of the engine. According to one method, first and second motor controllers initiate operation of the oil pump motor. Thereupon, the second motor controller is re-directed to initiate operation of the starter/generator and the gas turbine engine itself, after which, the second motor controller again joins the first motor controller to accelerate the oil pump motor up to idle speed. The oil pump motor may then be electrically coupled to the starter/generator for continued operation. In another mode of operation, a second motor controller may not be used at all. In that event, the alternating electric power supply for the vehicle powered by the gas turbine engine may be used as an interim source for controlling the speed of the oil pump motor.

Abstract: The tooling includes a central die member and an outer die member spaced thereabout to form an annular, draftless chamber for receiving a composite preform. An annular punch is received in the chamber for pressing the preform at an elevated temperature sufficient to consolidate and bond the preform into the desired composite. The tooling with the preform therein can be enclosed in a gas impermeable envelope (e.g., a steel can) and hot isostatically pressed at the elevated temperature to press the punch against the preform for purposes of consolidation. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the central die member is selected greater than that of the outer die member and the consolidated composite to facilitate removal of the composite from the draftless chamber.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for developing the contour of tools employed for forming aluminum alloy members exhibiting complex shapes. The members are precipitation, heat-treatable, aluminum alloys which are age formed. The resulting member is formed to the desired contour and, simultaneously, is heat treated to reduce residual stresses while improving its strength characteristics. The invention is particularly concerned with a new tool contour prediction method which is based upon the relationship, for a particular aluminum alloy, of the strain retained in a part after it has been subjected to an applied strain while constrained to a desired shape, then released after being heat treated in an autoclave or furnace.

Abstract: A plurality of accessories operatively associated with a gas turbine engine are driven by electric motors. A first motor controller initiates operation of a starter/generator mechanically coupled to the engine. After the engine has been started, the motor controller is used to accelerate other accessory motors at a predetermined rate after which they are each electrically coupled to the starter/generator for continued operation. Throughout this operation, the first motor controller serves as a back up for a second motor controller which is dedicated to the operation of a fuel pump motor. Other modes of operation can be achieved as well by reason of the flexibility provided by motor driven accessories.

Abstract: A ceramic thin film applique provided on a substrate effects an optical transition at a predetermined elevated temperature. Below the transition temperature, the applique exhibits distinctive visual and physical characteristics, for example color, opaqueness and/or texture, but when the substrate is heated to the transition temperature, the visual and physical characteristics of the applique change noticeably. The invention encompasses the composition of the applique itself, as well as the methods of making the applique, applying it to the substrate, and using it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process provided for cleaning magnesium thoriated scrap turnings resulting from machining operations. It results in the recovery of a maximum possible amount of magnesium thorium alloy for future use while ensuring protection of the environment. The process reduces to a minimum the amount of the hazardous waste which must otherwise be buried at great expense and with continuing legal liability to the burying party. A batch of the magnesium thoriated scrap turnings is rapidly flooded, then washed, with a solution of heated water and detergent. Thereupon, the water, detergent and impurities are removed from the scrap turnings, and the batch dried. Thereafter, ferrous material present in the washed batch of magnesium thoriated scrap turnings is separated from non-ferrous material and the latter is classified into processed turnings and fines. The processed turnings, fines and the ferrous material are then separately packaged.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a power pack including engine, transmission, and associated equipment to the frame of a land vehicle, such as a tank. The suspension system includes static supports for substantially immovably mounting the power pack to the frame at spaced locations and at least one dynamic support for yieldably mounting the power pack. The dynamic support includes at least one vertically disposed spring member fixed to the power pack together with a linkage connecting a free end of the spring member to the frame of the land vehicle. The suspension system accommodates a range of relative movement between the power pack and the frame of the land vehicle.

Abstract: A steering system for a tracked vehicle extracts a portion of power from an engine which propels the vehicle, and combines the power with the remainder of the engine power by differential gear assemblies at the tracks of the vehicle for effecting a steering movement of the vehicle while the vehicle is being propelled in either the forward or reverse direction by the engine. The steering system includes a variable hydrodynamic torque converter coupled to the engine and outputting torque via a reversing gear set to an output shaft system having gears for constraining the output shafts to rotate in opposite directions. A clutch assembly is located outside of a housing which encloses the torque converter, and includes individual clutches which are selectively activated to couple forward or reverse rotation from the reversing gear set to the output shafts for selectively steering the vehicle in a right turn or a left turn.

Abstract: Abradable wall structures for high temperature applications, such as in turbine housings and the like. The wall structures comprise a superalloy metal base plate supporting a superalloy metallic cellular structure, the cells of which are filled to a substantial extent with at least one ceramic core material providing high heat resistance, oxygen barrier and low thermal expansion properties. The invention involves the application of a porous or pore-forming surface composition to provide a corrosion-resistant, erosion-resistant abradable outer surface layer, the softness or porosity of which can be tailored to improve the abradability of the wall structure, while imparting oxidation-, corrosion- and erosion-resistance to the structure. The surface layer composition may comprise metal superalloy, ceramic or cermet base compositions containing fugitive or retained inert filler materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel nickel base single crystal alloy compositions consisting essentially of, by weight, about 4.0-10.0% chromium, 1.5-6.0% cobalt, 1.0-12.0% molybdenum, 3.0-10.0% tungsten, 2.5-7.0% titanium, 2.5-7.0% aluminum, 3.0-10.0% tantalum, about 0.02%-1.5% of hafnium and/or about 0.02%-1.0% silicon, from about 0.02%-1.0% each of yttrium and/or lanthanum, from about 0.3% to about 8.0% rhenium; from about 0.2% to about 4.0% vanadium and/or from about 0.2% to about 4.0% niobium; from about 0.02% to about 3% platinum; from about 0 to about 1.0% boron, the balance nickel, and the balance nickel.Methods of thermal treatment and coating of the novel alloys to enhance their mechanical properties are also disclosed, as are articles produced by such methods.

Abstract: An automatic self compensating flow control lubrication system for continuously supplying the requisite amount of lubricant to at least one component of a drive system. One or more operating parameters, such as scavenge temperature, are continuously monitored and the information provided to a computer. The computer operates the first stage solenoid valve of a two stage valve assembly which provides such an amount of lubricant to the component as is necessary to maintain a predetermined value of the operating parameter. Scavenge temperature is one such operating parameter.

Abstract: Abradable wall structures for high temperature applications, such as in turbine housings and the like. The wall structures comprise a superalloy metal base plate supporting a superalloy metallic cellular structure, the cells of which are filled to a substantial extent with at least one ceramic core material providing high heat resistance, oxygen barrier and low thermal expansion properties. The invention involves the application of a porous or pore-forming surface composition to provide a corrosion-resistant, erosion-resistant abradable outer surface layer, the softness or porosity of which can be tailored to improve the abradability of the wall structure, while imparting oxidation-, corrosion- and erosion-resistance to the structure. The surface layer composition may comprise metal superalloy, ceramic or cermet base compositions containing fugitive or retained inert filler materials.

Abstract: A method of removing material of poor thermal conductivity such as paint, grease, ceramics, and the like from a substrate by ablation without damage to the substrate by delivering to the material to be removed pulses or their equivalent of a laser beam having a wavelength at which the material to be removed is opaque and a fluence sufficient to ablate or decompose the material without damaging or adversely affecting the substrate or its surface.