Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence of an alumina layer on a surface of a component. The method includes illuminating a surface of a component with radiation; detecting radiation emitted at a particular wavelength; analyzing the detected radiation; to determine the thickness of the alumina at at least one point on the surface of the component; and comparing the determined thickness of the alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component with a predetermined thickness of alumina at that point to decide if the thickness of alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component is satisfactory.

Abstract: A method of inspecting an article includes: applying an organic liquid substance over at least a portion of the article to be inspected so as to form a surface layer thereon, wherein said surface layer is luminescent; irradiating the article with the surface layer thereon; and scanning the article to determine its shape.

Abstract: A method of supporting a tool (106) in an assembled apparatus (10) comprises the steps of (a) inserting a support structure (60) through a first aperture (52,56) in a casing (50,54) of the apparatus (10), a first end (62) of the support structure (60) being outside the casing (50,54) and a second end (64) of the support structure (60) being inside the casing (50,54), (b) securing the first end (60) of the support structure (60) to the casing (50,54), (c) arranging a first portion (78) of the support structure (60) to abut at least one surface within the casing (50,54), (d) inserting a tool (106) through the first aperture (52,54) or a second aperture in the casing (50,54), and (e) securing the tool (106) to a second portion (102) of the support structure (60) within the casing (50,54).

Abstract: A heat source for a material processing operation, such as direct laser deposition, comprises a source of laser light, an optical element to modulate the laser light to provide a beam and means for traversing the beam over the substrate in use in a predetermined direction. The beam has a predetermined intensity distribution over its cross-sectional area so as to regulate the temperature distribution in the material resulting from the absorption of laser energy by the material.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a hole defined by a component situated within an engine, the engine including a chamber configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply, wherein the component is in flow communication with the fluid supply via the chamber, the method includes the steps of: (i) delivering a test fluid via the chamber to the component to induce flow of the test fluid through the hole; (ii) deploying a sensor panel adjacent to the component in a path of test fluid issuing from the hole, the sensor panel being sensitive to impingement of the test fluid; and (iii) assessing a condition of the hole depending on a response of the sensor panel at a location corresponding to the hole.

Abstract: A flexible tool comprises stiffening means switchable in use from a first state of relatively low stiffness to a second state of relatively high stiffness, and subsequently switchable from the second state back to the first state.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining the presence of an alumina layer on a surface of a component. The method includes illuminating a surface of a component with radiation; detecting radiation emitted at a particular wavelength; analyzing the detected radiation; to determine the thickness of the alumina at at least one point on the surface of the component; and comparing the determined thickness of the alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component with a predetermined thickness of alumina at that point to decide if the thickness of alumina at the at least one point on the surface of the component is satisfactory.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus, comprises an elongate nozzle aperture 16, a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the elongate nozzle aperture and upper and lower elongate gas apertures 26, 28 located above and below the elongate nozzle aperture respectively and extending substantially parallel to the elongate nozzle aperture. In use the powder supply chamber supplies powder to the nozzle aperture under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be ejected from the nozzle aperture and the upper and lower elongate apertures eject a wide gas stream above and below the wide powder stream. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 10 a relatively wide coating of a substantially uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: A spray nozzle 10 for a laser deposition apparatus comprises an array of nozzle apertures 16 arranged side-by-side, and a powder supply chamber 18 in fluid communication with the nozzle apertures 16. In use the powder supply chamber 18 supplies powder to the nozzle apertures 16 under pressure so as to cause a wide powder stream to be discharged from the array of nozzle apertures 16. When used with a laser deposition apparatus 100, a relatively wide coating of a uniform thickness can be deposited.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a hole in a component situated within an engine. The engine comprises a chamber configured to receive fluid from a fluid supply, and the component is in flow communication with the fluid supply via the chamber. The method comprises the steps of (i) delivering a test fluid via the chamber to the component to induce flow of the test fluid through the hole; (ii) deploying a sensor panel adjacent the component in the path of test fluid issuing from the hole, the sensor panel being sensitive to the impingement of the test fluid; and (iii) assessing the condition of the hole in dependence on the response of the sensor panel at the location corresponding to the hole.