Fiber-reinforced Al-Li compressor airfoil and method of fabricating
US8387504B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 26, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24074
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A metal matrix composite lightweight compressor airfoil. The airfoil comprises a braided fabric embedded in a lightweight aluminum-lithium alloy. The airfoils are fabricated by forming a plurality of fiber tows by twisting filaments or fibers. The tows are then braided into a fabric. The fabric may be impregnated with an optional fugitive polymer that temporarily occupies interstices of the fabric to facilitate handling of the pre-formed braided fabric, but which is subsequently removed. The airfoil may then be formed as a MMC by one of two separate methods. In the first method, aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented casting into a die that includes a preform of fabric impregnated with fugitive polymer. In a second method, a preform is formed using a tool and mandrel by impregnating fabric with aluminum-lithium alloy. Then aluminum-lithium alloy is pressure augmented cast into a die that includes the alloy-impregnated preform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.