System and method for imposing thermal gradients on thin walled test objects and components
US7966868B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A test facility provides high temperature, high pressure and high mass flow fluid to a test object to form a relatively large thermal gradient on the object. Energy in the fluid is recuperated to drive system components, such as a heat exchanger and a turbocharger compressor. A test chamber housing the test object can be arranged to conform to a contour of the test object. A control system permits independent variation of pressure, temperature, cooling fluid and fluid velocity, as well as mechanical loading on the test object. Noncontact, optical inspection measurement techniques can be employed to measure test chamber and/or test object parameters. The test object can be configured to direct cooling airflow to permit various temperature or pressure gradients to be implemented. The test facility is relatively inexpensive to operate and provides a significant cost advantage over testing conducted in a full gas turbine engine.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.