Abstract: A method for recycling an inert gas evacuated from a material deposition process chamber 10 comprises cooling the evacuated inert gas and recirculating a proportion of the cooled gas to the chamber 10 at a first temperature for use as a cooling gas in the material deposition process 12, and recirculating a proportion of the cooled gas to the chamber 10 at a second temperature for use as a shielding gas in the material deposition process 12, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. Apparatus 22 for recycling an inert gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of attaching particles to a substrate, comprising the steps: providing a substrate having a surface providing an interlayer on the surface which conforms to the surface of the substrate, forming a melt pool in the interlayer, depositing a material within the melt pool, allowing the material to solidify, applying a powder containing dispersed particles to the solidified material, and applying heat to attach the dispersed particles to the substrate.

Abstract: A turbomachine including securing means that extend between the pressure wall and the suction surface and which includes an energy absorbing portion for absorbing energy after impact to the blade by a foreign object. The energy absorbing portion has a catch that provides the blade with an improved resistance to bursting.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a high energy beam with a material source, the method comprising the steps of: using the high energy beam to provide an aperture, depositing material from the material source towards the aperture for a selected length of time and collecting the material which passes through the aperture, and adjusting the position and/or alignment of the material source relative to the high energy beam dependant on a comparison of the amount of material collected with a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure by a material additive process, the method comprising the steps: providing a substrate having a surface, providing an interlayer on the surface which conforms to the surface of the substrate, forming a melt pool in the interlayer, the depth of the melt pool being less than the depth of the interlayer, selectively depositing a material within the melt pool, allowing the material to solidify, and applying heat and pressure to diffusion bond the material to the substrate.

Abstract: A surface treatment device for applying a surface treatment medium to an article is provided with the surface treatment device having an application member for applying the surface treatment medium to the article and an electrode, which applies an electrical potential between the application member and the article. The device provides localised treatment to the article and can remove oxide layers or the like from metallic materials without removing or damaging the underlying metallic material.

Abstract: A method for joining first and second components, using brazing material to enable the formation of a brazed joint by heating the brazing material when the first and second components are in a juxtaposed position, comprises bringing the first and second components into a juxtaposed position so that the brazing material is in contact with the first and second components and plastically deforming the brazing material to interlock the first and second components.

Abstract: Actuators utilising shape memory alloy materials are known with regard to gas turbine engines. Such shape memory alloys have been used with respect to deformation provided in vanes and blades as well as nozzle elements in order that variations can be made in engine configuration dependent upon thermal cycling. Unfortunately, pedestals in order to provide spacing between the shape memory alloy and an antagonistic bias has resulted in uneven stress distribution as well as a higher thermal mass for the shape memory alloy. An uneven stress distribution will limit operational life whilst a higher thermal mass will result in slower reaction times. By separation of the shape memory alloy or material from its antagonistic bias through use of a slide element, a reduction in thermal mass is achieved and, more importantly, stress differentiation across the actuator is reduced.

Abstract: A substrate (33) is clamped into a fixture (32) and material is deposited thereon to form a complex article (40). The article (40) produced is packed, using ceramic inserts (42) and a coating (41). The packing (42) ensures that the article (40) maintains its true shape and allows for expansion during the subsequent heat treatment process. The packed article (40), mounted on the fixture (32), is then placed in a box (44), encased in a granular material (43) and heated. It is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve stresses and is maintained at this temperature for a time period such that the stresses in the article (40) are relieved.

Abstract: A surface treatment device (10) is provided for applying a surface treatment medium to an article (60). The device comprises an application member (12, 14) for holding and applying the surface treatment medium to the article. The device has a securing arrangement (40) for securing the application member to the article.

Abstract: A substrate (33) is clamped into a fixture (32) and material is deposited thereon to form a complex article (40). The article (40) produced is packed, using ceramic inserts (42) and a coating (41). The packing (42) ensures that the article (40) maintains its true shape and allows for expansion during the subsequent heat treatment process. The packed article (40), mounted on the fixture (32), is then placed in a box (44), encased in a granular material (43) and heated. It is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve stresses and is maintained at this temperature for a time period such that the stresses in the article (40) are relieved.

Abstract: A turbomachine blade comprising a root portion and an aerofoil portion, the aerofoil portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a concave metal wall portion extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge and a convex metal wall portion extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, the concave metal wall portion and the convex metal wall portion forming a continuous integral metal wall, the aerofoil portion having a hollow interior defined by at least one internal surface, the hollow interior of the aerofoil portion being at least partially filled with a vibration damping material that is separated from the metal wall portions by a thermally insulating material.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming a metal matrix composite (MMC) comprising a metal matrix and a fibrous material embedded therein, the method comprising bringing the metal matrix into the molten state and contacting the fibrous material with the metal matrix in the molten state in a directionally controlled manner, whereby the Young's modulus of the resultant cooled MMC is controlled in one or more particular direction and optionally at one or more particular location.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, an apparatus is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The apparatus includes (1) a cartridge insertable into the thermal reaction chamber having gas-permeable first and second ends and including a catalyst material; and (2) thermally-conductive fixtures positioned within the cartridge. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In at least one aspect, a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) that includes (1) an upstream portion including a first conduit adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream; (2) a thermal reaction chamber having an inlet coupled to the first conduit, a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs, and an outlet; and (3) a downstream portion including a second conduit having a first end coupled to the outlet of the thermal reaction chamber and having a portion, downstream from the first end, positioned proximate to the first conduit. The second conduit is adapted to convey a gaseous waste stream heated within the thermal reaction chamber to enable a transfer of heat energy from the second conduit to the first conduit so as to pre-heat the gaseous waste stream in the first conduit. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In some aspects, a method is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) in a gaseous waste abatement system having a pre-installed controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) thermal reaction chamber. The method that includes (1) providing a catalyst bed within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (2) introducing a gaseous waste stream into the CDO thermal reaction chamber so as to expose the gaseous waste stream to the catalyst bed. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a system is provided for abating perfluorocarbons (PFCs) from a gaseous waste stream that includes (1) a wet scrubber adapted to scrub a gaseous waste stream and having an outlet adapted to discharge a scrubbed gaseous waste stream; and (2) a controlled decomposition oxidation (CDO) system. The CDO system includes a CDO thermal reaction chamber that includes (a) an inlet coupled to the outlet of the wet scrubber; (b) a catalyst bed adapted to abate PFCs within the CDO thermal reaction chamber; and (c) an outlet. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a work-piece during an additive process where material is added to a first surface of the work-piece. The support has a thermally conductive heat-sink adapted to act against a reverse side of the work-piece to that to which material is added thereby supporting the work-piece. The thermally conductive heat-sink is mounted to a biasing means that in use biases the thermally conductive heat-sink against the reverse side of the work-piece.

Abstract: A method for forming a metal silicate as a high k dielectric in an electronic device, comprising the steps of: providing diethylsilane to a reaction zone; concurrently providing a source of oxygen to the reaction zone; concurrently providing a metal precursor to the reaction zone; reacting the diethylsilane, source of oxygen and metal precursor by chemical vapor deposition to form a metal silicate on a substrate comprising the electronic device. The metal is preferably hafnium, zirconium or mixtures thereof. The dielectric constant of the metal silicate film can be tuned based upon the relative atomic concentration of metal, silicon, and oxygen in the film.