Abstract: A bucket cover to be attached to the tip of a turbine bucket has an aperture with an engageable geometry for receiving a tenon extending from the bucket and retaining the bucket cover to the bucket. The cover has an outer planar surface, an inner planar surface to abut against the bucket and an aperture extending between its surfaces. The aperture is defined by a sidewall that has multiple surfaces of varying cross-sectional size so as to structurally engage a tenon that is deformed during assembly. The sidewall of the aperture has a concave curved portion adjacent the outer planar surface leading to a narrow throat portion that corresponds generally to the size and shape of an undeformed tenon. In a method of making a turbine blade attached to a bucket cover, after a tenon is received in the aperture, the tenon is deformed by application of compressive force so that the tenon fills the aperture of the cover.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the trailing edge thickness of an airfoil in a turbine includes a plurality of tools; each tool having a main body portion and a forward end; an opening along a side edge and in proximity to a forward edge of the forward end, the opening including a slot of predetermined width adapted to engage the trailing edge of the airfoil; wherein each of the tools has a different predetermined slot width.

Abstract: A bucket cover to be attached to the tip of a turbine bucket has an aperture with an engageable geometry for receiving a tenon extending from the bucket and retaining the bucket cover to the bucket. The cover has an outer planar surface, an inner planar surface to abut against the bucket and an aperture extending between its surfaces. The aperture is defined by a sidewall that has multiple surfaces of varying cross-sectional size so as to structurally engage a tenon that is deformed during assembly. The sidewall of the aperture has a concave curved portion adjacent the outer planar surface leading to a narrow throat portion that corresponds generally to the size and shape of an undeformed tenon. In a method of making a turbine blade attached to a bucket cover, after a tenon is received in the aperture, the tenon is deformed by application of compressive force so that the tenon fills the aperture of the cover.

Abstract: The turbine nozzle diaphragm includes nozzle diaphragm segments formed of a subassembly including inner and outer spacer bands with airfoil-shaped partitions circumferentially spaced one from the other secured to the inner and outer spacer bands. Inner web and outer ring segments are secured to the inner and outer spacer band segments, respectively, to form nozzle diaphragm segment halves. End surfaces of the inner webs and outer rings lie in a plane passing through the axis of the nozzle diaphragm. The spacer bands have flanges projecting from the ends of the segments with weld material built up behind the flanges to provide additional support for the trailing edge portions of the partition adjacent the joint. Complementary recesses are formed in the opposed ends of the opposite segment whereby a Z-joint requiring limited material and labor is formed.

Abstract: The turbine includes inner and outer rings and partitions mechanically connected therebetween. In one form, the partitions have connecting elements at tip and root portions of the vanes which are received in complementary grooves in the outer and inner rings, respectively. The partitions in one form are stacked against one another and secured by end lugs at the diaphragm joints. In another form, the partitions are pinned to the outer and inner rings with spaces between the connecting elements to avoid accumulation of tolerances. In a third form, the partitions are applied against the outer and inner rings in an axial direction and retainer plates are bolted to the outer and inner rings to secure the partitions in the diaphragm assembly. In all cases, the diaphragm is formed without welding.