Abstract: Titanium-containing articles having improved surface finishes and methods for changing the surface of titanium containing articles, for example by removing overstock, are provided. One example method includes passing a fluid at high pressure across a surface of an titanium aluminide alloy-containing article, for example, a turbine blade, at high linear speed and deforming the surface of the titanium aluminide alloy-containing article, and removing material from the surface of the titanium aluminide alloy-containing article. Though aspects of the invention can be used in fabricating high performance turbine blades, the methods disclosed can be applied to the treatment of any titanium-containing article for which it is difficult to obtain an improved surface finish.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having extrinsic facecoats comprising a rare earth oxide that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to core compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to core compositions and methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and the hollow titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to core compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to core compositions and methods for casting hollow titanium-containing articles, and the hollow titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: A mixing device having a mixing container and has a single-shaft agitator that extends into the mixing container. At the end of the drive shaft, a rotor body is arranged slightly above the bottom of the mixing container. The rotor body comprises a plurality of mixing blades, wherein the blades are, in one example, star-shaped and fixed in position to each other. A first end of the drive shaft is coupled to a motor and a second end of the drive shaft is configured to extend into the mixing vessel, wherein the blades are attached onto the second end of the drive shaft. The blades in one example include at least two coincidental knife-edged blades such that at least one of the knife-edged blades is facing upward. The mixing device in one example is used to mix calcium aluminate-containing slurries.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to mold compositions, intrinsic facecoat compositions, and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having intrinsic facecoats that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods useful for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of molds and crucibles used in investment casting processes, including, without limitation, for producing aircraft engines, land-based turbine engines, and the like. According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for non-destructive evaluation that includes a support, a 3D scanning device, and a computer component. According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for non-destructive evaluation that includes the steps of: providing a system for non-destructive evaluation of a mold or crucible according to the present disclosure; securing a mold or crucible to the support of the system; and operating the 3D scanning device of the system in conjunction with the computer component in order to create a 3D structure difference map that indicates whether the mold or crucible falls within or outside a desired structural integrity parameter range.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions and methods of molding and the articles so molded. More specifically, the disclosure relates to mold compositions, intrinsic facecoat compositions, and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded, where the mold comprises calcium hexaluminate.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having extrinsic facecoats comprising a rare earth oxide that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions comprising calcium aluminate and calcium titanate. The disclosure also relates to methods of molding and the articles so molded using the mold compositions. More specifically, the disclosure relates to calcium aluminate/calcium titanate mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a titanium-containing article casting mold composition comprising calcium aluminate and an X-ray or Neutron-ray detectable element. Furthermore, present embodiments teach a method for detecting sub-surface ceramic inclusions in a titanium or titanium alloy casting by combining calcium aluminate, an element more radiographically dense than the calcium aluminate, and a liquid to form a slurry; forming a mold having the calcium aluminate and the radiographically dense element from the slurry; introducing a titanium aluminide-containing metal to the radiographically dense element-bearing mold; solidifying said titanium aluminide-containing metal to form an article in the mold; removing the solidified titanium aluminide-containing metal article from said mold; subjecting the solidified titanium aluminide-containing article to radiographic inspection to provide a radiograph; and examining said radiograph for the presence of the radiographically dense element on or in the article.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to mold compositions comprising calcium aluminate and calcium titanate. The disclosure also relates to methods of molding and the articles so molded using the mold compositions. More specifically, the disclosure relates to calcium aluminate/calcium titanate mold compositions and methods for casting titanium-containing articles, and the titanium-containing articles so molded.

Abstract: Crucible compositions and methods of using the crucible compositions to melt titanium and titanium alloys. More specifically, crucible compositions having intrinsic facecoats that are effective for melting titanium and titanium alloys for use in casting titanium-containing articles. Further embodiments are titanium-containing articles made from the titanium and titanium alloys melted in the crucible compositions. Another embodiment is a crucible curing device and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method. The method includes providing a casting apparatus including a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the first chamber is isolated from the second chamber. The method includes charging an alloy composition into a crucible present in the first chamber and melting the alloy composition in the crucible to form a molten alloy composition. The method includes discharging the molten alloy composition into a casting mold present in the second chamber; applying a positive pressure to the first chamber to create a first chamber pressure; and applying a vacuum to the second chamber to create a second chamber pressure, wherein the first chamber pressure is greater than the second chamber pressure. The method further includes casting a filament or a turbine component from the molten alloy composition in the casting mold. An apparatus for casting a filament or a turbine component is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a titanium-containing article casting mold composition comprising calcium aluminate and an X-ray or Neutron-ray detectable element. Furthermore, present embodiments teach a method for detecting sub-surface ceramic inclusions in a titanium or titanium alloy casting by combining calcium aluminate, an element more radiographically dense than the calcium aluminate, and a liquid to form a slurry; forming a mold having the calcium aluminate and the radiographically dense element from the slurry; introducing a titanium aluminide-containing metal to the radiographically dense element-bearing mold; solidifying said titanium aluminide-containing metal to form an article in the mold; removing the solidified titanium aluminide-containing metal article from said mold; subjecting the solidified titanium aluminide-containing article to radiographic inspection to provide a radiograph; and examining said radiograph for the presence of the radiographically dense element on or in the article.

Abstract: Methods of processing compositions containing titanium and aluminum, especially titanium aluminide intermetallic compositions (TiAl intermetallics) based on the TiAl (gamma) intermetallic compound. The methods entail processing steps that include a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) cycle and a heat treatment cycle that can be performed in a single vessel. TiAl intermetallic compositions processed in this manner preferably exhibit a duplex microstructure containing equiaxed and lamellar morphologies.

Abstract: Gamma titanium aluminide intermetallic compositions (gamma TiAl intermetallics) based on the TiAl (gamma) intermetallic compound. The gamma TiAl intermetallics contain chromium and niobium, as well as controlled amounts of carbon that achieve a desirable balance in room temperature mechanical properties and high temperature creep capabilities at temperatures approaching and possibly exceeding 1600° F. (about 870° C.).