Abstract: A method by which high temperature properties of a ductile iron alloy, including creep and LCF properties, can be increased for pressure-containing components that are subject to creep and low cycle fatigue. The method comprises modifying the ductile iron alloy to contain 0.4 to 0.8 weight percent molybdenum. A casting of the modified ductile iron alloy is produced and then annealed at a temperature of at least 725° C. for not less than five hours to eliminate carbides and/or stabilize pearlite in the casting. The annealed casting of the modified ductile iron alloy exhibits improved creep resistance and low cycle fatigue properties in comparison to an identical casting of a ductile iron alloy that does not contain molybdenum.

Abstract: A method for assembling a stator assembly for a turbine engine is provided. The method includes providing a blade with a base including an end wall having at least one hole defined therein and providing a shim having at least one aperture extending therethrough. The shim aperture is aligned with the end wall hole, and the shim is secured to the blade base end wall using a fastener. The fastener is inserted through the shim aperture in an interference fit within the end wall hole. The blade and the shim are coupled to a turbine casing.

Abstract: Blades of increased blade angle may be retrofitted onto existing compressor rotor wheels as replacement blades whereby higher performance and efficiency without replacing the rotor wheel may be achieved. The base attachments of replacement blades are provided with lateral extensions or flanges and the rim of the compressor wheel is provided with recesses straddling the grooves to accommodate the flanges. The leading edge of the replacement blade is positioned circumferentially for support only by the platform extension thereby limiting the mean and vibratory stresses in the leading edge of the airfoil and maximizing damage tolerance.

Abstract: A method of tuning a compressor stator blade having a base portion and an airfoil portion to achieve a desired natural frequency, includes a) identifying the natural frequency of the compressor stator blade; b) determining a different target natural frequency for the compressor stator blade; and c) removing material from the base portion of the compressor stator blade in an amount and in a configuration that achieves the target natural frequency. A frequency-tuned compressor stator blade includes an airfoil portion and a base portion, the base portion having a substantially solid rectangular shape; and a groove cut across a width dimension of the base portion, the groove having dimensions selected to obtain a predetermined natural frequency for the airfoil portion.

Abstract: A retaining device retains a pair of electrical power cords, one cord having a plug which is joined to a socket of the other cord. The device has first and second receptacles, each with a first open end and a second open end, and an opening extending from the first open end to the second open end. The first open end, the second open end, and the opening extending from the first open end to the second open end of the first and second receptacles together form a space for receiving the ends of the power cords, including the plug and socket. The first receptacle inserts into the second receptacle to adjust the overall length of the retaining device and locks in place to retain the ends of the pair of power cords and the plug and socket coupled to each other. The first receptacle is turned to release it from the second receptacle in order to remove the coupled ends of the power cords.

Abstract: A drawing machine having a frame for translatory movement upon a drawing surface. The frame defines an elongated, transverse interior opening. A plurality of template means are removably receivable within the interior opening. Each includes an aperture defining a shape which may be traced upon the drawing surface by the user. The template means may be repositioned along the transverse length of the elongated interior opening. Translatory movement of the drawing machine upon the drawing surface and guided movement of the template means along the interior opening permit the user to create varied patterns and pictures.