TURBINE AIRFOIL SECTION AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING LEADING END STRUCTURE THEREOF

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for supporting an airfoil section core during casting and a method for forming a leading end structure at an airfoil section while maintaining the metallurgical integrity of the final component. SOLUTION: A method of manufacturing a main turbine airfoil section (18) includes a step for preparing a casting die core (40) and an outer shell (42) that form a cavity inside the shape of a hollow airfoil section (18) having a root and a leading end. The leading end portion of the core (40) completely extends through a portion of the cavity that defines the leading end of the airfoil section (18). The core (40) is bound to prevent the relative movement between the core (40) and the outer shell (42). Molten metal is introduced into the cavity and coagulates to form an airfoil section (18) having at least one exterior wall that defines an open leading end and a hollow interior. A metal leading end cap that substantially closes the open leading end is formed on the exterior wall. The leading end cap can be formed by filling the airfoil section (18) with metallic powders, laser-sintering the powders exposed, and forming the leading end cap metallically joined to the exterior wall. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT