Abstract: A method of producing a circular metal article reinforced by fibres in selected parts of its cross-section is described in which a metal blank of the article is formed and provided with at least one annular groove opening in the axial direction, preforms of reinforcing fibre and filler metal are placed in the groove which is then closed by a metal plug, and the assembly is isothermally forged to produce the article in a single forging step which serves to compress the preforms, weld the assembly together, and shape the article. Such articles may be used for machining high performance rotors for turbojet engines. Apparatus for use in the method is also described.

Abstract: A method of producing a fibre-reinforced metallic circular part having a tral hollow, wherein the reinforcing fibres are disposed in the part in the vicinity of the hollow, comprises providing an annular metallic blank with a channel-sectioned groove opening towards the axis of the blank, placing uncompressed concentric layers of the reinforcing fibres and additional metal alternately in the groove followed by a more rigid expansion ring, evacuating the groove and sealing it by a deformable closure member which covers the groove, placing this assembly in an autoclave and subjecting it to a temperature and pressure sufficient to effect superplastic forging of the layers of additional metal whereby the fibre layers and the additional metal layers are compressed and welded to the blank in a single operation, and machining the resulting assembly to obtain the required shaped part.