Abstract: A method and system estimates manufacturing costs for conventional and advanced materials and processes based on process-oriented approach. A computer system input display for selecting one or more designs and one or more design parameters. Cost models are based upon process-oriented manufacturing cost estimates for a plurality of designs utilizing materials and manufacturing processes. Software is programmed to receive selected designs and selected design parameters from the input display and pass the selected designs and design parameters to the cost models. An output display shows the manufacturing costs estimated by the cost models for the selected designs and design parameters. A manufacturing process flow simulation model highlights and quantifies the magnitude of the manufacturing process cost drivers. An architecture including a relational database is also disclosed, and input and editing modules can be utilized to modify the cost model equations or to provide input from other software applications.

Abstract: A method and system estimates manufacturing costs for conventional and advanced materials and processes based on a process-oriented approach. A computer system comprises an input display for selecting one or more designs and one or more design parameters. Cost models are based upon process-oriented manufacturing cost estimates for a plurality of designs utilizing materials and manufacturing of processes. Software is programmed to receive selected designs and selected design parameters from the input display and pass the selected designs and design parameters to the cost models. An output display shows the manufacturing costs estimated by the cost models for the selected designs and design parameters. A manufacturing process flow simulation model highlights and quantifies the magnitude of the manufacturing process cost drivers.

Abstract: A method for making or repairing a gas turbine engine component includes the step of directing a pulsed ultra-violet laser beam on a location of a film cooling hole after application of a thermal barrier coating to athermally remove any coating material which may be obstructing the cooling hole without damaging the engine component or removing any of the coating from the surface of the component around the cooling hole.

Abstract: In the repair of a metallic article portion, a metal powder and laser beam are applied concurrently, the laser beam being applied in a power density range of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.6 watts per square centimeter at an interaction time between the laser and the article and powder of 0.005-2 seconds to generate a repair layer.Apparatus for delivering a consistent, continuous flow of powder comprises the combination of an enclosed powder reservoir including means to introduce a gas under pressure, a mechanical means to feed powder into a conduit, a conduit vibrating means, and a fluid-cooled powder delivery nozzle.

Abstract: In the repair of a metallic article portion, a metal powder and laser beam are applied concurrently, the laser beam being applied in a power density range of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.6 watts per square centimeter at an interaction time between the laser and the article and powder of 0.005-2 seconds to generate a repair layer.Apparatus for delivering a consistent, continuous flow of powder comprises the combination of an enclosed powder reservoir including means to introduce a gas under pressure, a mechanical means to feed powder into a conduit, a conduit vibrating means, and a fluid-cooled powder delivery nozzle.