Abstract: The present invention provides an improved internal combustion engine that uses film cooling. Improved fuel efficiency and other parameters are achieved through the design and use of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for determining the radial deformation of a blade in a turbine that includes: 1) taking an initial measurement of the blade with one or more proximity sensors disposed around the circumference of a stage of blades; 2) after the initial measurement, taking a second measurement of the blade with the one or more proximity sensors; 3) making a determination of the radial deformation of the blade by comparing the initial measurement to the second measurement. The initial measurement and the second measurement may be taken while the turbine is operating.

Abstract: A method for determining the radial deformation of a blade in a turbine that includes: 1) taking an initial measurement of the blade with one or more proximity sensors disposed around the circumference of a stage of blades; 2) after the initial measurement, taking a second measurement of the blade with the one or more proximity sensors; 3) making a determination of the radial deformation of the blade by comparing the initial measurement to the second measurement. The initial measurement and the second measurement may be taken while the turbine is operating.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a casting system is provided which broadly comprises a core and a wax die spaced from said core, a refractory metal core having a first end seated within a slot in the core and a second end contacting the wax die for positioning the core relative to the wax die, and the refractory metal core having at least one of a mechanism for providing spring loading when closed in the wax die and a mechanism for mechanically locking the wax die to the core.

Abstract: A sacrificial core is used for forming an interior space of a part and includes a ceramic core element and a first core element including a refractory metal element. The ceramic core element may be molded over the first core element or molded with assembly features permitting assembly with the first core element.

Abstract: An embedded microcircuit for producing an improved cooling film over a surface of a part, comprising an inlet through which a coolant gas may enter, a circuit channel extending from the inlet through which the coolant gas may flow, and a slot film hole formed at a terminus of the circuit channel through which the coolant gas may exit a part.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a casting system is provided which broadly comprises a core and a wax die spaced from said core, a refractory metal core having a first end seated within a slot in the core and a second end contacting the wax die for positioning the core relative to the wax die, and the refractory metal core having at least one of a mechanism for providing spring loading when closed in the wax die and a mechanism for mechanically locking the wax die to the core.

Abstract: A turbine engine component, such as a blade or a vane, is provided by the present invention. The turbine engine component has a pressure side and a suction side. Each of the pressure and suction sides has an external wall and an internal wall. A first set of fluid passageways is located on the pressure side between the external wall and the internal wall. A second set of fluid passageways is located on the suction side between the external wall and the internal wall. Each of the fluid passageways in the first set and in the second set has a wavy configuration. The turbine engine component may also have one or more wavy trailing edge cooling passageways for cooling a trailing edge portion of the component.

Abstract: A sacrificial core for forming an interior space of a part includes a ceramic core element and a first core element including a refractory metal element. The ceramic core element may be molded over the first core element or molded with assembly features permitting assembly with the first core element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a casting system is provided which broadly comprises a core and a wax die spaced from said core, a refractory metal core having a first end seated within a slot in the core and a second end contacting the wax die for positioning the core relative to the wax die, and the refractory metal core having at least one of a mechanism for providing spring loading when closed in the wax die and a mechanism for mechanically locking the wax die to the core.