Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical machining process is provided. The electrode includes an electrically conductive member defining at least one passage and an insulating coating partially covering a side surface of the electrically conductive member. The insulating coating does not cover at least one of first and second exposed sections of the electrically conductive member, where the first and second exposed sections are separated by approximately 180 degrees and extend substantially along a longitudinal axis of the electrically conductive member. The insulating coating also does not cover an exposed front end of the electrically conductive member. An electrochemical machining method is also provided, for forming a non-circular hole in a workpiece using the electrode.

Abstract: A method for assembling a sensor assembly for use with a turbomachine is provided. The method includes providing a cover that includes a first portion and a second portion that extends from the first portion. A cavity is defined within the first portion. Moreover, a sensing device that is configured to measure at least one variable of a component of the turbomachine is inserted into the cavity. The second portion is removably coupled to a surface of the turbomachine component such that the cover securely couples the sensing device to the turbomachine component.

Abstract: A retention system for a plurality of turbine buckets located in respective mating slots in a turbine rotor wheel includes a plurality of first circumferentially-oriented retention slots formed in outer peripheral portions of the turbine wheel; a plurality of second circumferentially-oriented retention slots formed in wheel mounting portions of said buckets, the first and second circumferentially-oriented retention slots aligned to form an annular lockwire retention slot; and a lockwire located within the annular lockwire retention slot. A first surface feature on one or both of the turbine rotor wheel and one or more of said plurality of turbine buckets is adapted to engage a second surface feature on the lockwire for preventing rotation of the lockwire beyond predetermined limits.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a gas turbine shroud is disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer shroud block having a coupling connectable to a casing of the gas turbine and a shroud component having a forward flange and an aft flange. The shroud component is attached to the outer shroud block via the forward flange and the aft flange. The apparatus further includes a damper disposed between the outer shroud block and the shroud component and a biasing element disposed within the outer shroud block. A translational degree of freedom between the damper and the outer shroud block defines a direction of motion of the damper. The biasing element is in operable connection between the outer shroud block and the shroud component via the damper, a bias force of the biasing element directed along the direction of motion of the damper.

Abstract: A turbine bucket is provided and includes a shank interconnectable with a rotor and formed to accommodate coolant therein and an airfoil blade coupled to a radially outward portion of the shank and including a body formed to define a substantially radially extending cooling hole therein, which is disposed to be solely receptive of the coolant accommodated within the shank for removing heat from the body, the cooling hole being further defined as having a substantially non-circular cross-sectional shape at a predefined radial position of the body.

Abstract: A rotating assembly for a turbomachine includes a plurality of rotating members that extend radially outward from a central hub. Each of the plurality of rotating members includes a base portion detachably mounted to the central hub, a tip portion, a mid-span portion that extends between the base portion and the tip portion, and a shroud portion positioned at one of the tip portion and the mid-span portion. The shroud portion includes a pressure side and a suction side. At least one hard face interface member is secured to at least one of the suction side and the pressure side of the shroud portion. The at least one hard face interface member is both mechanically interlocked with, and metallurgically bonded to, the shroud portion.

Abstract: A method facilitates the assembly of a turbine engine. The method includes providing a shroud support block having a forward end and an aft end, coupling a forward end of a shroud to the shroud support block using a forward fastener, and coupling an aft end of the shroud to the shroud support block using an aft fastener. The method also includes installing a locking pin through the aft fastener to retain the aft fastener, and staking the locking pin in the shroud support block, such that the locking pin is securely coupled to the shroud support block.

Abstract: A support apparatus for a gas turbine shroud is disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer shroud block having a coupling connectable to a casing of the gas turbine and a shroud component having a forward flange and an aft flange. The shroud component is attached to the outer shroud block via the forward flange and the aft flange. The apparatus further includes a damper disposed between the outer shroud block and the shroud component and a biasing element disposed within the outer shroud block. A translational degree of freedom between the damper and the outer shroud block defines a direction of motion of the damper. The biasing element is in operable connection between the outer shroud block and the shroud component via the damper, a bias force of the biasing element directed along the direction of motion of the damper.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A shroud support method and apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A method facilitates the assembly of a turbine engine. The method includes providing a shroud support block having a forward end and an aft end, coupling a forward end of a shroud to the shroud support block using a forward fastener, and coupling an aft end of the shroud to the shroud support block using an aft fastener. The method also includes installing a locking pin through the aft fastener to retain the aft fastener, and staking the locking pin in the shroud support block, such that the locking pin is securely coupled to the shroud support block.

Abstract: A damper and seal system for a stage of a turbine that includes inner shrouds disposed circumferentially of a hot gas path through the turbine stage and shroud body(s) for supporting the inner shroud(s). A damper block engages a backside surface of the inner shroud and a damping mechanism is carried by the shroud body and connected to the damper block for applying a load to the damper block and inner shroud through the engagement of the block with the backside surface of the inner shroud, thereby damping vibratory movement of the inner shroud. The seal system includes at least one primary, integral seal and at least one secondary, non-integral seal to limit axial and radial hot gas leakage through the stage.

Abstract: A shroud support apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a stator assembly for a turbine engine. The method comprises positioning a shroud fabricated from a ceramic matrix composite material adjacent a metallic stator block, and coupling the shroud to the stator block using a coupling arrangement such that a predetermined radial clearance is defined between the shroud and a rotor assembly coupled radially inward thereof.

Abstract: The damper system includes a ceramic composite shroud in part defining the hot gas path of a turbine and a spring-biased piston and damper block which bears against the backside surface of the shroud to tune the vibratory response of the shroud relative to pressure pulses of the hot gas path in a manner to avoid near or resonant frequency response. The damper block has projections specifically located to bear against the shroud to dampen the frequency response of the shroud and provide a thermal insulating layer between the shroud and the damper block.