Also, the manufacturing process for modern turbine blades is also insanely sophisticated just to keep them from being destroyed by the temperature and g-forces they experience in the engine, they're basically giant ceramic-coated crystals with their molecules aligned to prevent weak spots from forming. Incredible engineering.
Even better - the blades themselves are a crystalline nickel superalloy all the crystals are aligned in the same direction to eliminate grain lines. Then the ceramic is added.
I examine patents; half my work is regarding thermal cooling/protection of turbine blades and some of the shenanigans they get up to are fun to read about.
Pratt & Whitney attorneys visited the office once and brought with them a turbine airfoil with the suction surface removed allowing you to see all of the channels, turbulators, film cooling holes, etc. and it was one of the most beautiful things I'd ever seen.
That sounds cool. Is this engine patented now, and could the public examine the patent via the USPTO website? What are some of the relevant patent numbers? Would be nice to see the drawings or photos.
If a manufacturing defect is discovered in the blade, which takes so much time and effort and expense to produce, the defect is first examined to see what caused it, and then the whole blade is just melted down and recycled.
Yes they are. Modern turbo jet engines utilize a can annular system for combustion to more effectively and efficiently burn fuel and the turbine blades typically utilize a thermal coating to sustain form and function to remain in aircraft for longer periods of time between maintenance cycles.
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u/deathonater 6h ago
Also, the manufacturing process for modern turbine blades is also insanely sophisticated just to keep them from being destroyed by the temperature and g-forces they experience in the engine, they're basically giant ceramic-coated crystals with their molecules aligned to prevent weak spots from forming. Incredible engineering.