Laser Powder Deposition Repair of IBRs/Blisks(1001-020)

Triton Systems, Inc (TSI) proposes the use of laser powder-deposition (also known as LAM and LENS™) to repair aircraft engine blisks and integrally bladed rotors (IBRs). For repair materials TSI proposes the use of original materials of manufacture (Ti-64 or Ti-6242), as well as alternate engineered MMC hybrid materials. In addition to determining the feasibility of fatigue life improvements resulting from the use of these two repair process elements, both of which have previously demonstrated superior performance in similar applications, it is proposed that the repair test matrix also include the evaluation of the use of surface treatment in the repair areas to enhance fatigue life. Surface treatments have demonstrated significant improvement in the fatigue life of aircraft engine components that are subject to high cycle loading. It is believed that each of the three proposed elements has the potential to individually demonstrate improvements over current repair methods, and if used in combination could increase blisk repair life to an even higher level. Considering the individual performance of each of the proposed repair process elements in other similar applications, the life of a repaired blisk could conceivably be greater than the original (as manufactured) life.