Abstract: A fiber reinforced metal compressor disc includes a hub, a rim and a diaphragm extending radially between the hub and the rim. The fiber reinforced metal compressor disc comprises a first ring of ceramic fibers and a second ring of ceramic fibers. The first ring of fibers is arranged in the hub and the second ring of fibers is arranged in the rim of the disc. The rim of the disc carries a plurality of blades. This arrangement of the rings of fibers minimizes the weight of the disc, especially for large radius discs suitable for carrying large blades and operating at high rotational speeds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article by diffusion bonding at least two metal components (30,36) comprises assembling the metal components (30,36) into a stack relative to each other so that the surfaces (34,40) are in mating contact. The edges of the metal components (30,36) are sealed together, except for an aperture (49) where a pipe (50) is to be connected. A connector (51) has a first end (52) and a second end (53). The first end (52) has a smaller diameter than the second end (53) and a bore (54) extends through the connector (51) from the first end (52) to the second end (53). The second end (53) of the connector (51) is joined (57) to the stack. The pipe (50) is joined (58) to the first end (52) of the connector (51). The interior of the sealed assembly is evacuated via the pipe (50) and the pipe is sealed. Heat and pressure are applied to diffusion bond the metal components (30,36) together to form an integral structure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article, the method comprising placing metal coated (18) fibers (14) between a first metal ring (30) and a second metal ring (36). Each of the metal-coated (18) fibres (14) having a glue (22) to hold the metal-coated (18) fibers (14) in position. A solvent is supplied to the glue (22) on the metal-coated (18) fibers (14) to soften the glue (22) and pressure is applied to allow the metal-coated (18) ceramic fibers (14) to become more closely packed. Thereafter the glue (22) is removed and the metal coated (18) fibers (14) and first and second metal rings (30, 36) are consolidated and diffusion bonded together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article, the method comprising placing at least one metal coated (18) fibre (14) between a first metal ring (30) and a second metal ring (36). Heating to a first temperature and applying a first pressure to partially consolidate the metal (18) on the at least one metal coated (18) fibre (14) and heating to a second temperature and applying a second pressure to consolidate the metal of the first and second metal rings (30, 36), wherein the first temperature is different to the second temperature and the first pressure is different to the second pressure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fibre reinforced metal matrix composite article (10) comprises forming an annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30), forming a second metal component (36) and forming a number of fibre preforms (20). The fibre preforms (20) are placed in an annular channel (80) in a cassette (70). The cassette (70) and the first metal component (30) are arranged such that the annular channel (80) in the cassette (70) is coaxial with and faces the annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30). The fibre preforms (20) are moved from the annular channel (80) in the cassette (70) to the annular groove (32) in the first metal component (30). The second metal component (36) is placed on the first metal component (30) such that the fibre preforms (20) are arranged between the first metal component (30) and the second metal component (36). The second metal component (36) is sealed to the first metal component (30).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an article by diffusion bonding at least two metal components (30,36) comprises assembling the metal components (30,36) into a stack relative to each other so that the surfaces (34,40) are in mating contact. The edges of the metal components (30,36) are sealed together, except for an aperture (49) where a pipe (50) is to be connected. A connector (51) has a first end (52) and a second end (53). The first end (52) has a smaller diameter than the second end (53) and a bore (54) extends through the connector (51) from the first end (52) to the second end (53). The second end (53) of the connector (51) is joined (57) to the stack. The pipe (50) is joined (58) to the first end (52) of the connector (51). The interior of the sealed assembly is evacuated via the pipe (50) and the pipe is sealed. Heat and pressure are applied to diffusion bond the metal components (30,36) together to form an integral structure.

Abstract: A ceramic fibre reinforced metal rotor is manufactured from a first metal ring, a second metal ring and a plurality of fibre preforms. Each fibre preform includes a metal coated ceramic fibre arranged in a spiral. An annular groove is formed in an axial face of the first metal ring and the fibre preforms are arranged in the annular groove. An annular projection is formed on an axial face of the second metal ring and two annular grooves are formed on opposite radial sides of the annular projection. The second metal ring is arranged such that the annular projection is aligned with the annular groove of the first metal ring. Heat and pressure is applied to axially consolidate the fibre preforms and to bond the first metal ring, the second metal ring and the fibre preforms to form a unitary composite component. The grooves allow axial movement of the projection and control consolidation.