Method of forming a hollow blade

摘要

An untwisted hollow blade with internal reinforcing ribs is formed by diffusion bonding two halves. A predominate portion of the blade twist is accomplished by gravity creep deforming against a supporting die, aided by applying twisting moments at the ends. The blade is free to move axially at one end. Simultaneous heat soak for solution heat treatment minimizes overall grain growth. Later, hot forming between heated dies is supplemented with internal blade pressure after die closing. Metal flow is more easily predictable whereby finite element analysis may establish the proper starting form.