Abstract: A method of reducing crack propagation in an airfoil includes: providing an airfoil having a root spaced apart from a tip, spaced-apart leading and trailing edges, a suction side extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and an opposed pressure side extending from the leading edge and the trailing edge, supporting the airfoil against bending loads; and burnishing the airfoil using a burnishing element, so as to create at least one burnished section of residual compressive stress, the at least one burnished section being located adjacent the leading edge and spaced from the leading edge by an offset distance selected so as to avoid deformation of the leading edge.

Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly and a bushing thereof. The bushing includes a metal bushing body and a wear-resistant coating. The assembly includes a rotatable trunnion and a first metal bushing. The trunnion is capable of being located in a through hole extending between outer and inner surfaces of a compressor casing of a gas turbine engine. The first metal bushing is capable of being located in the through hole proximate the outer surface to surround a first portion of the trunnion when the trunnion is located in the through hole. The first metal bushing and the first portion have wear-resistant coatings which are in mutual contact, apart from any intervening lubricant, when the trunnion and the first metal bushing are located in the through hole and the trunnion is rotating with respect to the first metal bushing.

Abstract: A method of reducing crack propagation in an airfoil includes: providing an airfoil having a root spaced apart from a tip, spaced-apart leading and trailing edges, a suction side extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and an opposed pressure side extending from the leading edge and the trailing edge, supporting the airfoil against bending loads; and burnishing the airfoil using a burnishing element, so as to create at least one burnished section of residual compressive stress, the at least one burnished section being located adjacent the leading edge and spaced from the leading edge by an offset distance selected so as to avoid deformation of the leading edge.

Abstract: A method enables a variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a casing to be assembled. The variable vane assembly includes a seal assembly and at least one variable vane that includes a platform and a trunnion, wherein the platform extends outwardly from the trunnion. The method comprises coupling a seal assembly journal bushing to the variable vane such that the journal bushing is against the trunnion and between the trunnion and the engine casing, and wherein the journal bushing has a substantially constant diameter extending between a first and a second end of the journal bushing, and positioning a substantially flat first washer on the variable vane ledge to prevent contact between the variable vane assembly and the engine casing.

Abstract: A method enables a variable vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a casing to be assembled. The variable vane assembly includes a seal assembly and at least one variable vane that includes a platform and a trunnion, wherein the platform extends outwardly from the trunnion. The method comprises coupling a seal assembly journal bushing to the variable vane such that the journal bushing is against the trunnion and between the trunnion and the engine casing, and wherein the journal bushing has a substantially constant diameter extending between a first and a second end of the journal bushing, and positioning a substantially flat first washer on the variable vane ledge to prevent contact between the variable vane assembly and the engine casing.

Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a bushing that facilitates extending a useful life of the stator vane assembly is described. The stator vane assembly includes a spacer and a vane secured to an engine casing. The bushing is between the spacer and vane, and prevents the spacer and the vane from contacting the engine casing. The bushing is fabricated from several materials formed in a matrix, such that at least a portion of the bushing is electrically conductive. During engine operation, a conductive path is realized through the bushing that discharges electrical charges.

Abstract: A variable stator vane assembly for a gas turbine engine including a bushing that facilitates extending a useful life of the stator vane assembly is described. The stator vane assembly includes a spacer and a vane secured to an engine casing. The bushing is between the spacer and vane, and prevents the spacer and the vane from contacting the engine casing. The bushing is fabricated from several materials formed in a matrix, such that at least a portion of the bushing is electrically conductive. During engine operation, a conductive path is realized through the bushing that discharges electrical charges.