U.S. patent application number 15/369291 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for heat transfer device, turbomachine casing and related storage medium.
The applicant listed for this patent is General Electric Company. Invention is credited to Wojciech Grzeszczak, Robert Jamiolkowski, Karol Filip Leszczynski, James William Vehr, Robert Jacek Zreda.
Application Number | 20170350597 15/369291 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60481922 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170350597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jamiolkowski; Robert ; et
al. |
December 7, 2017 |
HEAT TRANSFER DEVICE, TURBOMACHINE CASING AND RELATED STORAGE
MEDIUM
Abstract
Various embodiments include a heat transfer device, a
turbomachine casing and a related storage medium. In some cases,
the device includes: a body having an outer surface and an inner
cavity within the outer surface; at least one aperture extending
through the body, the at least one aperture positioned to direct
fluid from the inner cavity through the body to the outer surface;
a first lip proximate a first end of the body, and a second lip
proximate a second end of the body, the first lip and the second
lip each extending radially outward from the outer surface relative
to a direction of flow of the fluid through the inner cavity; and a
plug coupled with the body, the plug for obstructing an end of the
inner cavity, the plug positioned to redirect flow of the fluid
from a first direction to a second, distinct direction.
Inventors: |
Jamiolkowski; Robert;
(Zabki, PL) ; Leszczynski; Karol Filip; (Henrykow
Urocze, PL) ; Grzeszczak; Wojciech; (Warszawa,
PL) ; Vehr; James William; (Easley, SC) ;
Zreda; Robert Jacek; (Warszawa, PL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
General Electric Company |
Schenectady |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60481922 |
Appl. No.: |
15/369291 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F05D 2260/201 20130101;
F23R 2900/03044 20130101; F01D 11/24 20130101; F05D 2230/31
20130101; F23R 3/005 20130101; F23R 2900/00018 20130101; F01D 25/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F23R 3/00 20060101
F23R003/00; F23R 3/06 20060101 F23R003/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 7, 2016 |
PL |
2016/050027 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a body having an outer surface and an inner
cavity within the outer surface; at least one aperture extending
through the body, the at least one aperture positioned to direct
fluid from the inner cavity through the body to the outer surface;
a first lip proximate a first end of the body and a second lip
proximate a second end of the body, the first lip and the second
lip each extending radially outward from the outer surface relative
to a direction of flow of the fluid through the inner cavity; and a
plug coupled with the body, the plug for obstructing an end of the
inner cavity, the plug positioned to redirect flow of the fluid
from a first direction to a second, distinct direction.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the inner cavity includes an
inlet proximate the first end of the body.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the plug is coupled to the second
end of the body.
4. The device of claim 3, wherein the second, distinct direction of
fluid flow is off-set from the first direction of fluid flow by
between approximately ninety degrees and approximately
one-hundred-eighty degrees.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first lip includes a slot
sized to accommodate a seal member.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture
includes a plurality of apertures.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the plurality of apertures are
disposed circumferentially about the body and include adjacent
apertures disposed along the first direction of fluid flow.
8. The device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one fluid
receiving feature formed in the outer surface of the body, the at
least one fluid receiving feature arranged and disposed to receive
post-impingement fluid from the at least one aperture, wherein the
at least one aperture does not define any portion of the at least
one fluid receiving feature.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the at least one fluid receiving
feature further comprises a fluid directing feature.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the fluid directing feature
directs the post-impingement fluid away from the at least one
aperture.
11. A turbomachine casing comprising: an axial flow path, the axial
flow path including a first portion and a second portion axially
downstream of the first portion; a nozzle cavity fluidly coupled
with the axial flow path; a passageway fluidly connecting the axial
flow path and the nozzle cavity; and an impingement sleeve within
the second portion of the axial flow path, the impingement sleeve
including: a body having an outer surface and an inner cavity
within the outer surface, wherein the inner cavity is fluidly
coupled with the first portion of the axial flow path; at least one
aperture extending through the body, the at least one aperture
positioned to direct fluid from the inner cavity through the body
to the outer surface; and a first lip proximate a first end of the
body, the first lip extending radially outward from the outer
surface and sealing the first portion of the axial flow path from
the second portion of the axial flow path.
12. The turbomachine casing of claim 11, wherein the body and the
first lip define a circumferential space between the outer surface
of the body and an inner surface of the second portion of the axial
flow path.
13. The turbomachine casing of claim 12, wherein the first lip
includes a slot, and wherein the impingement sleeve further
includes a seal member within the slot for fluidly sealing the
circumferential space from the first portion of the axial flow
path.
14. The turbomachine casing of claim 12, wherein the at least one
aperture directs flow of the fluid from the inner cavity to the
circumferential space.
15. The turbomachine casing of claim 14, wherein the first lip
directs flow of the fluid in the circumferential space to the
passageway fluidly coupled with the nozzle cavity.
16. The turbomachine casing of claim 14, wherein the impingement
sleeve further includes: a second lip proximate a second end of the
body, the second lip extending radially outward from the outer
surface; and a plug coupled with the body, the plug for obstructing
an end of the inner cavity, the plug positioned to redirect flow of
the fluid from a first direction to a second, distinct
direction.
17. The turbomachine casing of claim 16, wherein the plug is
coupled to the second end of the body.
18. The turbomachine casing of claim 16, wherein the second,
distinct direction of fluid flow is off-set from the first
direction of fluid flow by between approximately ninety degrees and
approximately one-hundred-eighty degrees.
19. The turbomachine casing of claim 11, wherein the inner cavity
includes an inlet proximate the first end of the body, wherein the
at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures, wherein
the plurality of apertures are disposed circumferentially about the
body and include adjacent apertures disposed along the first
direction of fluid flow.
20. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing code
representative of a device, the device physically generated upon
execution of the code by a computerized additive manufacturing
system, the code comprising: code representing the device, the
device including: a body having an outer surface and an inner
cavity within the outer surface; at least one aperture extending
through the body, the at least one aperture positioned to direct
fluid from the inner cavity through the body to the outer surface;
a first lip proximate a first end of the body, and a second lip
proximate a second end of the body, the first lip and the second
lip each extending radially outward from the outer surface relative
to a direction of flow of the fluid through the inner cavity; and a
plug coupled with the body, the plug for obstructing an end of the
inner cavity, the plug positioned to redirect flow of the fluid
from a first direction to a second, distinct direction.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related to turbomachines. More
particularly, the present subject matter is directed to heat
transfer in turbomachines.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Turbomachine systems are continuously being modified to
increase efficiency and decrease cost. One method for increasing
the efficiency of a turbomachine system includes increasing the
operating temperature of the turbomachine system. To increase the
temperature, the turbomachine system is constructed of materials
which can withstand such temperatures during use.
[0003] Within turbomachine systems, a casing component (casing)
generally houses a nozzle/vane component (nozzle section). A
working fluid is channeled through the turbomachine system, via the
nozzle section, toward a set of buckets/blades, which rotate to
drive one or more outputs e.g., a dynamoelectric machine. Because
the working fluid directly contacts the nozzle section, the heat
from that working fluid often increases the temperature of the
components in that nozzle section, causing them to expand. If the
casing and the nozzle section are not sufficiently separated from
one another, expansion of the nozzle section due to heating can
cause rubbing with the casing, decreasing the turbomachine
efficiency as well as reducing the lifespan of components in the
turbomachine system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Various embodiments include a heat transfer device, a
turbomachine casing, and a related storage medium. In some cases,
the device includes: a body having an outer surface and an inner
cavity within the outer surface; at least one aperture extending
through the body, the at least one aperture positioned to direct
fluid from the inner cavity through the body to the outer surface;
a first lip proximate a first end of the body, and a second lip
proximate a second end of the body, the first lip and the second
lip each extending radially outward from the outer surface relative
to a direction of flow of the fluid through the inner cavity; and a
plug coupled with the body, the plug for obstructing an end of the
inner cavity, the plug positioned to redirect flow of the fluid
from a first direction to a second, distinct direction.
[0005] A first aspect of the disclosure includes a device having: a
body having an outer surface and an inner cavity within the outer
surface; at least one aperture extending through the body, the at
least one aperture positioned to direct fluid from the inner cavity
through the body to the outer surface; a first lip proximate a
first end of the body, and a second lip proximate a second end of
the body, the first lip and the second lip each extending radially
outward from the outer surface relative to a direction of flow of
the fluid through the inner cavity; and a plug coupled with the
body, the plug for obstructing an end of the inner cavity, the plug
positioned to redirect flow of the fluid from a first direction to
a second, distinct direction.
[0006] A second aspect of the disclosure includes a turbomachine
casing including: an axial flow path, the axial flow path including
a first portion and a second portion axially downstream of the
first portion; a nozzle cavity fluidly coupled with the axial flow
path; a passageway fluidly connecting the axial flow path and the
nozzle cavity; and an impingement sleeve within the second portion
of the axial flow path, the impingement sleeve including: a body
having an outer surface and an inner cavity within the outer
surface, wherein the inner cavity is fluidly coupled with the first
portion of the axial flow path; at least one aperture extending
through the body, the at least one aperture positioned to direct
fluid from the inner cavity through the body to the outer surface;
and a first lip proximate a first end of the body, the first lip
extending radially outward from the outer surface and sealing the
first portion of the axial flow path from the second portion of the
axial flow path.
[0007] A third aspect of the disclosure includes a non-transitory
computer readable storage medium storing code representative of an
device, the device physically generated upon execution of the code
by a computerized additive manufacturing system, the code
including: code representing the device, the device including: a
body having an outer surface and an inner cavity within the outer
surface; at least one aperture extending through the body, the at
least one aperture positioned to direct fluid from the inner cavity
through the body to the outer surface; a first lip proximate a
first end of the body, and a second lip proximate a second end of
the body, the first lip and the second lip each extending radially
outward from the outer surface relative to a direction of flow of
the fluid through the inner cavity; and a plug coupled with the
body, the plug for obstructing an end of the inner cavity, the plug
positioned to redirect flow of the fluid from a first direction to
a second, distinct direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a device within an
article, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1,
according to embodiments of the disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a
turbomachine including a device illustrating fluid flow according
to various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a device within a
turbomachine according to various embodiments of the
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a close-up depiction of a portion of the device of
FIG. 4, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of an additive manufacturing
process including a non-transitory computer readable storage medium
storing code representative of a template according to embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0014] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] Provided are a device (e.g., impingement sleeve) and casing
(e.g., turbomachine casing) including such a device, for
transferring heat within the casing. Embodiments of the present
disclosure, for example, in comparison to concepts failing to
include one or more of the features disclosed herein, may improve
operation in a turbomachine (e.g., gas turbine or steam turbine),
e.g., by increasing cooling efficiency, reducing cross flow,
reducing cross flow degradation, reducing pressure loss, increasing
backflow margins, providing increased heat transfer with reduced
pressure drop, facilitating reuse of heat transfer fluid,
facilitating series impingement cooling, increasing article life,
facilitating use of increased system temperatures, increasing
system efficiency, or a combination thereof.
[0016] As used herein, the terms "axial" and/or "axially" refer to
the relative position/direction of objects along axis A, which is
substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the
turbomachine (in particular, the rotor section). As further used
herein, the terms "radial" and/or "radially" refer to the relative
position/direction of objects along axis (r), which is
substantially perpendicular with axis A and intersects axis A at
only one location. Additionally, the terms "circumferential" and/or
"circumferentially" refer to the relative position/direction of
objects along a circumference which surrounds axis A but does not
intersect the axis A at any location.
[0017] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of an article 100 (FIG.
1) and a device 200 (FIG. 2) positioned within article 100. Article
100 and/or device 200 are formed according to any suitable
manufacturing method. Suitable manufacturing methods include, but
are not limited to, casting, machining, additive manufacturing, or
a combination thereof. For example, as described herein, additive
manufacturing of device 200 may include direct metal laser melting
(DMLM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser
melting (SLM), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition
modeling (FDM), three-dimensional (3D) printing, any other additive
manufacturing technique, or a combination thereof.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, article 100
includes, but is not limited to, a turbomachine casing (shell) 101
or component thereof. For example, in one embodiment, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, article 100 includes a
turbomachine casing 101 and the device 200 includes a curved and/or
cylindrical impingement sleeve (impingement sleeve) 203.
[0019] Impingement sleeve 203 can include an elongated tube-shaped
body 204 (FIG. 2), and have a plurality of the apertures 207 formed
therein, where apertures 207 are configured to direct a heat
transfer fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid) towards turbomachine casing
101 surrounding (cylindrical) impingement sleeve 203. In various
embodiments, apertures 207 are disposed circumferentially about
body 204, and include apertures 207 which are axially adjacent one
another (i.e., adjacent apertures 207 are disposed along the axis
of fluid flow entering impingement sleeve 203). In various
embodiments, apertures 207 can include substantially circular
openings in body 204, however, in other embodiments, apertures 207
can include oblong, rectangular, polygonal, or other-shaped
openings in body 204. In various embodiments, apertures 207 are
approximately 0.05 inches (.about.0.125 centimeters (cm)) to
approximately 0.1 inches (.about.0.25 cm) wide, and in some
particular cases between approximately 0.065 inches (0.16 cm) and
0.075 inches (0.2 cm) wide, which can be measured at the widest
opening in apertures 207. In some cases, the size, shape and
arrangement of apertures 207 may vary across body 204.
[0020] Additionally, in some embodiments, impingement sleeve 203
can include one or more fluid receiving features 209 formed in the
outer surface 205 thereof. Fluid receiving features 209 can
include, e.g., one or more slots, holes, troughs or passageways
allowing for movement of fluid therethrough. In some cases, fluid
receiving features 209 include a fluid directing feature, which
directs flow of fluid (e.g., heat transfer fluid) away from
apertures 207. Apertures 207 are configured to direct the heat
transfer fluid from an inner cavity 211 within cylindrical
impingement sleeve 203, to curved outer surface 205 of impingement
sleeve 203, and subsequently, to the curved surface of turbomachine
casing 101 to form fountain regions (which may, in some cases, be
directed back into the fluid receiving features 209 in the
cylindrical impingement sleeve 203). Inner cavity 211 can extend
substantially entirely through the body of impingement sleeve 203
(along axial direction A, coinciding with the primary axis of the
turbomachine in which casing 101 belongs, and primary axis of flow
into the inlet 208 of inner cavity 211), and may terminate
(dead-end) at a junction of the impingement sleeve 203 and adjacent
plug 213.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of turbomachine
casing 101 and impingement sleeve 203, further illustrating fluid
flow within casing 101 relative to impingement sleeve 203. As
shown, turbomachine casing 101 can include an axial flow path 103,
located radially outboard of (radially farther from central axis of
turbomachine) a nozzle cavity 105. Nozzle cavity 105, as is known
in the art, can include a space proximate the turbomachine nozzles
where heat transfer fluid is diverted to reduce a temperature
difference between the inner nozzle section 107 of the turbomachine
and the turbomachine casing 101. In various embodiments, axial flow
path 103 include two portions: a first portion 103A and a second
portion 103B axially downstream (farther from fluid inlet) of first
portion and fluidly connected with first portion 103A. Second
portion 103B is shown partially filled in this depiction with
impingement sleeve 203. Second portion 103B can have a larger inner
diameter than first portion 103A, which may accommodate impingement
sleeve 203. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, impingement sleeve 203 can
include a first lip 215 proximate a first end 217 and a second lip
219 proximate a second end 221 (opposite first end 217). In some
cases, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second lip 219 is coupled with
plug 213 (e.g., within axial flow path 103), e.g., via force-fit,
adhesive, coupling mechanism such as a screw, bolt, clamp, etc.,
welded and/or brazed connection, etc.
[0022] In various embodiments, first lip 215 and second lip 219
include protrusions extending radially outward (relative to primary
axis of fluid flow through inner cavity) from outer surface 205 of
impingement sleeve 203. Within turbomachine casing 101, first lip
215 and second lip 219 can define a circumferential space 115
between outer surface 205 of impingement sleeve 203 and an inner
surface 117 of second portion 103B of cavity 103 (FIG. 4), such
that the portions of impingement sleeve 203 extending between first
lip 215 and second lip 219 do not contact the inner surface of
second portion of 103B of cavity 203. In various embodiments, first
lip 215 includes a circumferentially extending slot 223 which is
sized to receive a seal (e.g., a seal ring) 225. First lip 215,
including seal ring 225, can fluidly seal second portion 103B of
axial cavity 103 from first portion 103A of axial cavity 103, such
that the flow of heat transfer fluid 120 (e.g., gas such as air, or
cooling liquid such as water) through first portion 103A is forced
to flow axially into inner cavity of impingement sleeve 203. As
shown, heat transfer fluid 120 can flow through first portion 103A
of cavity 103, into impingement sleeve 203 (via internal cavity
211, FIG. 2), exit impingement sleeve 203 via on or more apertures
207 (where plug 213 terminates internal cavity 211, and forces flow
to reverse), and flow through circumferential space 115 to a
passageway (radially extending passageway) 230 fluidly coupling
second portion 103B of axial cavity 103 with nozzle cavity 105.
This heat transfer fluid 120 may then be used for downstream or
upstream operation, including additional heat transfer uses and/or
integration with a working fluid, e.g., hot gas.
[0023] It is understood that various embodiments of impingement
sleeve 203 need not include fluid receiving feature(s) 209 depicted
in FIG. 2, given the fluid dynamics illustrated in FIG. 3. However,
some embodiments may include fluid receiving feature(s) 209, which
may extend axially within outer surface 205 and help to guide flow
of heat transfer fluid 120 from apertures 207 toward passageway
230.
[0024] FIG. 4 shows a schematic depiction of another embodiment of
an impingement sleeve 403, which includes a plug 413
(cross-sectional view shown) sealing second end 221 of sleeve 403,
whereby plug 413 is matingly coupled with internal cavity 111 at
second end 221 (e.g., portion of plug 413 fits within internal
cavity 111). In these cases, plug 413 may include a portion that
complements the opening within internal cavity 111 and matingly
fits (e.g., force fit, compression fit, etc.) or couples with
impingement sleeve 413. Impingement sleeve 413 may not include a
second lip 219 (FIG. 3), and as such, plug 413 may matingly engage
directly with internal cavity 111, as opposed to contacting or
otherwise coupling with second lip 219 (FIG. 3). FIG. 5 shows a
close-up view of plug 413 mated with second end 221. In some cases,
plug 413 can include an internal aperture 415, e.g., for removal of
plug 413 from impingement sleeve 403, and at least one
circumferential slot 417, e.g., for receiving a seal member such as
a seal ring or a retaining ring (e.g., for axially retaining
impingement sleeve 403 and/or plug 413).
[0025] According to various embodiments, with reference to FIGS.
1-5, heat transfer fluid 120 (e.g., depicted in FIG. 3) includes
hot gas from another section of a turbomachine or another machine,
which is routed to axial flow path 103 to help reduce the
temperature differential between casing 101 and nozzle section 107.
That is, while components within nozzle section 107 are subjected
to high-temperature working fluid such as gas or steam, those
components can heat up and expand. If the surrounding casing 101
does not heat as quickly, or to the same degree as nozzle section
107, one or more components within nozzle section 107 can interfere
(e.g., rub, contact, etc.) with casing 101 and degrade performance
of the machine.
[0026] As shown and described herein, impingement sleeves 103, 403
can be implemented in casing 101 to enhance heat transfer in the
casing 101 and decrease the differential temperature between casing
101 and nozzle section. In various embodiments, as illustrated in
FIG. 3, heat transfer fluid 120 enters impingement sleeve 103 (or
403, FIG. 4) and flows axially in a first direction (e.g.,
substantially parallel with axis A). Due to its fluid velocity and
direction, heat transfer fluid 120 may flow through impingement
sleeve 103 and contact plug 213 (or plug 413, FIG. 3) which
obstructs internal cavity 211 at its distal end (second end 221 of
impingement sleeve 103). Plug 213 (413) may redirect (deflect) flow
of heat transfer fluid 120 from the first direction to a second,
distinct direction. In various embodiments, the second, distinct
direction is distinct from the first direction of fluid flow by
between approximately ninety degrees and approximately
one-hundred-eighty degrees. That is, in some cases, flow of heat
transfer fluid 120 is substantially reversed when contacting plug
213, 413 (e.g., having a substantially flat contact surface, or a
substantially angled, concave or convex surface), which causes heat
transfer fluid 120 to deflect back toward first end 217 of
impingement sleeve 203, and also radially outward toward apertures
207. Heat transfer fluid 120 may further travel through apertures
207, around at least a portion of outer surface 205 of impingement
sleeve 203, and into passageway 230. This at least partial reversal
of flow, and subsequent flow through apertures 207 and into
passageway 230, enhances the amount of heat transferred to/from
casing 101 via heat transfer fluid 120, thereby aiding in reduction
of differential thermal effects from nozzle section 107.
[0027] Impingement sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5) including components
thereof (e.g., plug 213, 413) may be formed in a number of ways. In
one embodiment, impingement sleeve 203, 403 may be formed by
casting, machining, welding, extrusion, etc. In one embodiment,
however, additive manufacturing is particularly suited for
manufacturing impingement sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-6). As used
herein, additive manufacturing (AM) may include any process of
producing an object through the successive layering of material
rather than the removal of material, which is the case with
conventional processes. Additive manufacturing can create complex
geometries without the use of any sort of tools, molds or fixtures,
and with little or no waste material. Instead of machining
components from solid billets of metal, much of which is cut away
and discarded, the only material used in additive manufacturing is
what is required to shape the part. Additive manufacturing
processes may include but are not limited to: 3D printing, rapid
prototyping (RP), direct digital manufacturing (DDM), selective
laser melting (SLM) and direct metal laser melting (DMLM). In the
current setting, DMLM has been found advantageous.
[0028] To illustrate an example of an additive manufacturing
process, FIG. 6 shows a schematic/block view of an illustrative
computerized additive manufacturing system 900 for generating an
object 902. In this example, system 900 is arranged for DMLM. It is
understood that the general teachings of the disclosure are equally
applicable to other forms of additive manufacturing. Object 902 is
illustrated as a double walled turbomachine element; however, it is
understood that the additive manufacturing process can be readily
adapted to manufacture impingement sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5). AM
system 900 generally includes a computerized additive manufacturing
(AM) control system 904 and an AM printer 906. AM system 900, as
will be described, executes code 920 that includes a set of
computer-executable instructions defining impingement sleeve 203,
403 (FIGS. 1-5) to physically generate the object using AM printer
906. Each AM process may use different raw materials in the form
of, for example, fine-grain powder, liquid (e.g., liquid metal),
sheet, etc., a stock of which may be held in a chamber 910 of AM
printer 906. In the instant case, impingement sleeve 203, 403
(FIGS. 1-5) may be made of metal or similar materials. As
illustrated, an applicator 912 may create a thin layer of raw
material 914 spread out as the blank canvas from which each
successive slice of the final object will be created. In other
cases, applicator 912 may directly apply or print the next layer
onto a previous layer as defined by code 920, e.g., where the
material is a metal. In the example shown, a laser or electron beam
916 fuses particles for each slice, as defined by code 920, but
this may not be necessary where a quick setting liquid metal is
employed. Various parts of AM printer 906 may move to accommodate
the addition of each new layer, e.g., a build platform 918 may
lower and/or chamber 910 and/or applicator 912 may rise after each
layer.
[0029] AM control system 904 is shown implemented on computer 930
as computer program code. To this extent, computer 930 is shown
including a memory 932, a processor 934, an input/output (I/O)
interface 936, and a bus 938. Further, computer 930 is shown in
communication with an external I/O device/resource 940 and a
storage system 942. In general, processor 934 executes computer
program code, such as AM control system 904, that is stored in
memory 932 and/or storage system 942 under instructions from code
920 representative of impingement sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5),
described herein. While executing computer program code, processor
934 can read and/or write data to/from memory 932, storage system
942, I/O device 940 and/or AM printer 906. Bus 938 provides a
communication link between each of the components in computer 930,
and I/O device 940 can comprise any device that enables a user to
interact with computer 940 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device,
display, etc.). Computer 930 is only representative of various
possible combinations of hardware and software. For example,
processor 934 may comprise a single processing unit, or be
distributed across one or more processing units in one or more
locations, e.g., on a client and server. Similarly, memory 932
and/or storage system 942 may reside at one or more physical
locations. Memory 932 and/or storage system 942 can comprise any
combination of various types of non-transitory computer readable
storage medium including magnetic media, optical media, random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), etc. Computer 930 can
comprise any type of computing device such as a network server, a
desktop computer, a laptop, a handheld device, a mobile phone, a
pager, a personal data assistant, etc.
[0030] Additive manufacturing processes begin with a non-transitory
computer readable storage medium (e.g., memory 932, storage system
942, etc.) storing code 920 representative of impingement sleeve
203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5). As noted, code 920 includes a set of
computer-executable instructions defining outer electrode that can
be used to physically generate the tip, upon execution of the code
by system 900. For example, code 920 may include a precisely
defined 3D model of outer electrode and can be generated from any
of a large variety of well-known computer aided design (CAD)
software systems such as AutoCAD.RTM., TurboCAD.RTM., DesignCAD 3D
Max, etc. In this regard, code 920 can take any now known or later
developed file format. For example, code 920 may be in the Standard
Tessellation Language (STL) which was created for stereolithography
CAD programs of 3D Systems, or an additive manufacturing file
(AMF), which is an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
standard that is an extensible markup-language (XML) based format
designed to allow any CAD software to describe the shape and
composition of any three-dimensional object to be fabricated on any
AM printer. Code 920 may be translated between different formats,
converted into a set of data signals and transmitted, received as a
set of data signals and converted to code, stored, etc., as
necessary. Code 920 may be an input to system 900 and may come from
a part designer, an intellectual property (IP) provider, a design
company, the operator or owner of system 900, or from other
sources. In any event, AM control system 904 executes code 920,
dividing impingement sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5) into a series of
thin slices that it assembles using AM printer 906 in successive
layers of liquid, powder, sheet or other material. In the DMLM
example, each layer is melted to the exact geometry defined by code
920 and fused to the preceding layer. Subsequently, the impingement
sleeve 203, 403 (FIGS. 1-5) may be exposed to any variety of
finishing processes, e.g., minor machining, sealing, polishing,
assembly to other part of the igniter tip, etc.
[0031] While the invention has been described with reference to one
or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In
addition, all numerical values identified in the detailed
description shall be interpreted as though the precise and
approximate values are both expressly identified.
* * * * *