Abstract: A method of fabricating a solid oxide fuel cell that includes the steps of: (a) inputting raw materials for a layer of the solid oxide fuel cell into a screw extruder; (b) mixing the raw materials into a mixture as the raw materials pass through the screw extruder; (c) de-airing the mixture of raw materials as the raw materials pass through the screw extruder; and (d) extruding, the mixture through an opening at a downstream end of the screw extruder. The screw extruder may be a twin-screw extruder.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a machine component is provided. The method includes forming a machine component substrate wherein the substrate has a substrate surface region. The method further includes forming at least one primary thermal barrier layer including a first ceramic thermal barrier material having a first porosity. The method also includes forming at least one secondary thermal barrier layer formed over at least a portion of the plurality of primary thermal barrier layers. Also, the secondary thermal barrier layer further includes a second ceramic thermal barrier material having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity. The method also includes forming at least one tertiary thermal barrier layer comprising a smooth coat material, wherein the tertiary thermal barrier layer is formed over at least a portion of the secondary thermal barrier layer. The secondary thermal barrier layer facilitates reducing a delamination of the tertiary thermal barrier layer.

Abstract: Erosion resistant coating processes and material improvements for line-of-sight applications. The erosion resistant coating composition includes nanostructured grains of tungsten carbide (WC) and/or submicron sized grains of WC embedded into a cobalt chromium (CoCr) binder matrix. A high velocity air fuel thermal spray process (HVAF) is used to create thick coatings in excess of about 500 microns with high percentages of primary carbide for longer life better erosion resistant coatings. These materials and processes are especially suited for hydroelectric turbine components.

Abstract: A pattern for improving aerodynamic performance of a turbine includes a material disposed in a pattern at a base surface of a turbine shroud such that the material is capable of abradable contact with a tip portion of a turbine bucket. The pattern includes a first plurality of ridges disposed at the base surface such that a first portion of the first plurality of ridges corresponding to a back portion of the turbine bucket is oriented at a first angle with respect to an axis of rotation of the turbine bucket. Each ridge of the first plurality of ridges has a first sidewall and a second sidewall having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second sidewalls extend from the base surface. The first and second sidewalls slope toward each other with substantially equal but opposite slopes until meeting at the second ends of respective first and second sidewalls defining a centerline and a top portion of the ridge.

Abstract: An article of manufacture pattern for improving aerodynamic performance of a turbine including an abradable material capable of abradable contact. The abradable material is disposed in a pattern. The pattern includes a first plurality of ridges disposed at a base surface of the turbine. Each ridge of the first plurality of ridges has a first sidewall and a second sidewall having a first end and a second end. The first ends of the first and second sidewalls extend from the base surface. The first and second sidewalls slope toward each other with substantially equal but opposite slopes until meeting at the second ends of respective first and second sidewalls defining a centerline and a top portion of the ridge.

Abstract: A bi-layer bond coating for use on metal alloy components exposed to hostile thermal and chemical environment, such as a gas turbine engine used to generate electricity and the method for applying such coatings. The preferred coatings include a bi-layer bond coat applied to the metal substrate, with both layers being applied using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying. In one embodiment, bond coatings in accordance with the invention can be used in combination with a thermal barrier coating (“TBC”). However, the invention can also take other forms, such as a stand alone overlay coating. Bi-layer bond coatings in accordance with the invention consist of a dense first inner layer (such as iron, nickel or cobalt-based alloys) that provides oxidation protection to the metal substrate, and a second outer layer having controlled porosity that tends to promote roughness, mechanical compliance, and promotes adherence of the TBC.

Abstract: Erosion resistant coating compositions include hard particles in a metal matrix such as nickel-based, cobalt-based and iron-based matrices applied by a plating process for complex geometry or hard to access component surfaces or by thermal spray processes for line of sight applications. These materials and processes are especially suited for providing erosion resistance to hydroelectric turbine components.

Abstract: Erosion resistant coating processes and material improvements for line-of-sight applications. The erosion resistant coating composition includes nanostructured grains of tungsten carbide (WC) and/or submicron sized grains of WC embedded into a cobalt chromium (CoCr) binder matrix. A high velocity air fuel thermal spray process (HVAF) is used to create thick coatings in excess of about 500 microns with high percentages of primary carbide for longer life better erosion resistant coatings. These materials and processes are especially suited for hydroelectric turbine components.