Abstract: A method for manufacturing a brush seal is provided including the steps of: (a) providing fiber; (b) providing a packing material; (c) providing a pair of backing plates; (d) arranging the fiber in a particular arrangement; (e) applying the packing material to selective areas of the arranged fiber; (f) cutting the fibers in bristle sections, wherein each of the bristle sections includes a plurality of bristles and one of the selective areas having applied packing material; (g) stacking the bristle sections, such that the selective areas of applied packing material are aligned between the backing plates; and (h) bonding the backing plates, the bristle sections, and the packing material together.

Abstract: A hollow airfoil is provided which includes a body, a trench, and a plurality of cooling apertures disposed within the trench. The body extends chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and spanwise between an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface, and includes an external wall surrounding a cavity. The trench is disposed in the external wall along the leading edge, extends in a spanwise direction, and is aligned with a stagnation line extending along the leading edge.

Abstract: A hollow airfoil is provided which includes a body having an external wall and an internal cavity. The external wall includes a suction side portion and a pressure side portion. The portions extend chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge and spanwise between an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface. A stagnation line extends along the leading edge. A plurality of cooling apertures, disposed spanwise along the leading edge. According to one aspect of the present invention, the apertures extend through the external wall along a helical path. According to another aspect of the present invention, the apertures are alternately directed towards the suction side portion and the pressure side portions of the airfoil.

Abstract: A hollow airfoil is provided which includes a body, a trench, and a plurality of cooling apertures disposed within the trench. The body extends chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge, and spanwise between an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface, and includes an external wall surrounding a cavity. The trench is disposed in the external wall along the leading edge, extends in a spanwise direction, and is aligned with a stagnation line extending along the leading edge.