U.S. patent application number 16/781551 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-05 for pulsed directed energy deposition based fabrication of hybrid titanium/aluminum material for enhanced corrosion resistance and strength.
The applicant listed for this patent is Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation. Invention is credited to Ranadip Acharya, Tahany Ibrahim El-Wardany, Colette Opsahl Fennessy, Matthew Pess.
Application Number | 20210238728 16/781551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004675020 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210238728 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
El-Wardany; Tahany Ibrahim ;
et al. |
August 5, 2021 |
PULSED DIRECTED ENERGY DEPOSITION BASED FABRICATION OF HYBRID
TITANIUM/ALUMINUM MATERIAL FOR ENHANCED CORROSION RESISTANCE AND
STRENGTH
Abstract
A method of providing a protective titanium layer to an outer
surface of an aluminum component includes providing an aluminum
component and forming a first layer of titanium-based bulk metallic
glass on the component, wherein formation of the bulk metallic
glass layer comprises depositing a titanium alloy powder using
pulsed directed energy deposition.
Inventors: |
El-Wardany; Tahany Ibrahim;
(Vernon, CT) ; Acharya; Ranadip; (Rocky Hill,
CT) ; Fennessy; Colette Opsahl; (West Hartford,
CT) ; Pess; Matthew; (West Hartford, CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004675020 |
Appl. No.: |
16/781551 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/12736 20150115;
C23C 14/28 20130101; C23C 14/16 20130101; B23K 15/0086 20130101;
C23C 14/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C23C 14/16 20060101
C23C014/16; C23C 14/28 20060101 C23C014/28; C23C 14/02 20060101
C23C014/02; B23K 15/00 20060101 B23K015/00 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. An aluminum component comprising: an outer surface; and a
sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface, wherein
the sheath comprises: a first titanium-based bulk metallic glass
layer characterized by an amorphous microstructure; and a second
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer having a microstructure
including both amorphous and crystalline phases, wherein the
crystalline phases are present in an amount providing the sheath
with a tensile ductility of at least ten percent; wherein the first
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer is located between the
outer surface and the second titanium-based bulk metallic glass
layer.
14-16. (canceled)
17. The aluminum component of claim 13, and further comprising a
layer comprising magnesium formed between the outer surface and the
first titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer.
18. The aluminum component of claim 13, wherein the sheath has an
electrical conductivity at least three orders of magnitude less
than 5.8.times.10.sup.5 Siemens/m.
19-20. (canceled)
21. The aluminum component of claim 13, wherein the first
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer is formed from a titanium
alloy powder having a melting point not exceeding 250 K greater
than a melting point of the aluminum component.
22. The aluminum component of claim 13, wherein the component is an
airfoil and the sheath is disposed on a leading edge of the
airfoil.
23. The aluminum component of claim 13, further comprising a
plurality of second titanium-based bulk metallic glass layers,
wherein each second titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer has a
thickness of at least 20 microns.
24. An aluminum component comprising: an outer surface; a sheath
covering at least a portion of the outer surface, wherein the
sheath comprises a first titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer
characterized by an amorphous microstructure; and layer comprising
magnesium formed between the outer surface and the first
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer.
25. The aluminum component of claim 24, wherein the sheath further
comprises a second titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer
including both amorphous and crystalline phases, wherein the first
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer is located between the
outer surface of the aluminum component and the second
titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present application is directed generally to the
fabrication of hybrid titanium/aluminum components and more
particularly to a method and material for providing enhanced
corrosion resistance and strength to an aluminum component.
[0002] Titanium alloys have been applied to aluminum components,
particularly the leading edges of a fan blades, to enhance strength
and provide protection from erosion. Current methods of manufacture
of titanium external elements and assembly are complicated. Because
titanium and aluminum are galvanically incompatible, the two
materials generally must be separated by an insulating layer to
limit corrosion. The fabrication of a titanium sheath on a hollow
aluminum fan blade requires a multi-axis machining process.
Application of the sheath can cause distortion of the blade and
post processing can be required to remove defects. The current
processes can be material- and time-intensive.
[0003] A need exists for an improved method of providing a titanium
protective layer to an aluminum component.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, a method of providing a protective titanium
layer to an outer surface of an aluminum component includes
providing an aluminum component and forming a first layer of
titanium-based bulk metallic glass on the component, wherein
formation of the bulk metallic glass layer comprises depositing a
titanium alloy powder using pulsed directed energy deposition.
[0005] In another aspect, an aluminum component includes an outer
surface and a sheath covering at least a portion of the outer
surface, wherein the sheath comprises a titanium-based bulk
metallic glass layer characterized by a predominantly amorphous
microstructure.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a method of providing a protective
titanium layer to an aluminum component includes depositing a
titanium alloy powder on an outer surface of the aluminum
component, pulsing energy directly to the titanium alloy powder,
melting the titanium alloy powder, and forming a first layer of
titanium-based bulk metallic glass on the component.
[0007] The present summary is provided only by way of example, and
not limitation. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be
appreciated in view of the entirety of the present disclosure,
including the entire text, claims, and accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an assembly for providing a protective titanium
layer to an aluminum component.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an aluminum fan blade of a
gas turbine engine having a protective titanium sheath applied to a
leading edge.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
protective titanium sheath of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for forming a titanium
element on an aluminum component.
[0012] While the above-identified figures set forth embodiments of
the present invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the
invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be
understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be
devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope
and spirit of the principles of the invention. The figures may not
be drawn to scale, and applications and embodiments of the present
invention may include features, steps and/or components not
specifically shown in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present disclosure provides an improved method of
manufacture of a hybrid titanium/aluminum component. Using directed
energy deposition (DED), a titanium alloy can be directly deposited
onto an aluminum substrate. The disclosed process produces a
titanium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG) having an amorphous
microstructure, which has been shown to result in a 3-5 order of
magnitude reduction in electrical conductivity over current
titanium sheaths. Crystalline phases are introduced locally into
the BMG by ultrasonic vibration. The introduction of crystalline
phases has been shown to increase ductility of the titanium
element. The disclosed BMG with selectively introduced crystalline
phases can provide strength and protection to the component while
reducing or eliminating the need for an insulating layer.
[0014] The disclosed method is not limited to the fabrication of a
particular component. In addition to providing a titanium sheath on
a portion of a blade (e.g., airfoil leading edge, root, etc.), the
disclosed method can be applied for the fabrication of gears, heat
exchanger parting sheets and headers, and titanium blades on an
aluminum hub (e.g., hybrid material impellers), among a wide
variety of other applications. It will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method could benefit
multiple aluminum fabrication and assembly applications. Direct
deposition of the titanium-based BMG can reduce the need for
post-processing of aluminum components, including complex machining
and application of an insulating layer, before assembly with a
titanium element.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a modified DED assembly 10 with
ultrasonic vibration for providing a protective titanium layer to
an aluminum component. DED is a metal additive manufacturing
process in which metal powder is delivered to a substrate or
workpiece as opposed to being provided in a powder bed. Metal
powder is fed through a nozzle while an energy source (e.g.,
electron beam or laser) melts the powder to provide a melt pool,
which is deposited on the component in a layer-by-layer
fashion.
[0016] Assembly 10 includes a conventional DED system that has been
modified to provide ultrasonic vibration to the substrate during
deposition. Assembly 10 includes table 12, ultrasonic transducer
14, deposition platform 16, energy source 18, powder nozzle 20,
power supply 22, and controller 24. Assembly 10 can be used to
deposit thin layers of titanium-based BMG on substrate 26.
Substrate 26 can be positioned and secured on deposition platform
16 in a manner that allows for material deposition on an outer
surface of substrate 26. Table 12 can be configured as known in the
art to be moveable in x-, y-, and z-planes to move substrate 26
relative to powder nozzle 20 and energy source 18 during
deposition. In alternative embodiments, energy source 18 and powder
nozzle 20 can be positioned on a multi-axis arm and can move
relative to deposition platform 16 and substrate 26.
[0017] Power supply 22 can be used to drive ultrasonic transducer
14. Controller 24 can be used to automate the deposition of the
titanium-based BMG on substrate 26 according to a user-defined
deposition model. Controller 24 can turn ultrasonic transducer 14
on and off to provide localized production of crystalline phases in
the deposited material and can also control movement of table 12
and other process parameters. Controller 24 can include a processor
configured to implement and/or process instructions for execution
stored in a storage device (e.g., computer-readable storage
media).
[0018] Substrate 26 can be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
Substrate 26 can be a net shape or near net shape component formed
by casting, forging, additive manufacturing, or other fabrications
processes as known in the art. In one embodiment disclosed herein,
substrate 26 is a hollow aluminum fan blade (illustrated in FIG.
2). Substrate 26 is not limited to the embodiment disclosed. It
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that
substrate 26 can be any aluminum component to which a titanium
element may be applied to provide protection and strength to the
underlying structure.
[0019] A titanium-based BMG powder (or titanium alloy capable of
forming a BMG upon deposition with DED) can be deposited on
substrate 26 using a conventional pulsed laser DED system. The
powder size can generally be dictated by the operating capabilities
of the machine. In the disclosed embodiment, the powder size ranged
from 30 to 70 .mu.m. The titanium-based BMG powder can be applied
in multiple successive layers. Following formation of each layer,
table 12 can be moved downward (z-direction) to maintain the focus
of the laser at the surface. A single powder composition or
multiple powder compositions can be fed through a single powder
nozzle or multiple powder nozzles, as known in the art. Layer
thickness can vary based on powder size and processing parameters.
In one non-limiting embodiment, layer thickness was approximately
20 .mu.m.
[0020] A variety of titanium alloys form a BMG upon pulsed laser
deposition. Preferably, a titanium-based BMG powder used in the
method disclosed has a melting temperature that does not exceed a
melting temperature of the underlying substrate by more than 125 K.
This allows for control of the depth of the titanium-based BMG melt
pool interface with the outer surface of the aluminum substrate 26
during deposition of the first layer of the titanium sheath. In one
non-limiting embodiment, the titanium-based BMG is
Ti.sub.40Zr.sub.20Cu.sub.10Be.sub.30, which has a melting point of
1000 K (75 K higher than pure aluminum). By controlling the table
speed and laser power, a very thin layer of interaction between the
titanium-based BMG and aluminum can be formed.
[0021] Although rare, interaction between a melted layer of the
aluminum substrate 26 and the titanium-based BMG may result in the
undesirable production of an aluminide. To avoid aluminide
formation, some embodiments may include the deposition of a layer
of silver, magnesium, or other metal that does not interact with
aluminum or titanium alloys, directly onto substrate 26 before
deposition of the titanium-based BMG. The introduction of silver,
magnesium, or other metal may additionally improve adhesion between
the titanium-based BMG and substrate 26, although excellent
adhesion between aluminum substrate 26 and the titanium-based BMG
Ti.sub.40Zr.sub.20Cu.sub.10Be.sub.30 was observed with the
disclosed process parameters. A powder of silver, magnesium, or
other metal can be provided in the DED process as a single layer
separate from the deposition of the titanium-based BMG and/or can
be introduced with the titanium-based BMG in decreasing amounts in
successive layers. The disclosed interlayer may not be necessary in
all applications and, therefore, may be omitted from the disclosed
method without negative impact. Generally, a high laser power and
low travel speed can promote formation of an aluminide layer. It
will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to provide
the disclosed interlayer where the formation of aluminide is likely
or to improve adhesion.
[0022] The titanium-based BMG can be applied using a standard
pulsed laser as provided in a conventional DED system. The
disclosed method was developed using a standard laser frequency of
36 kHz. It is anticipated that a much lower pulsed laser frequency
could be applied and provide the same results. The pulsed laser, as
opposed to continuous laser, promotes rapid cooling, which is
necessary for the formation of the amorphous BMG.
[0023] The grain morphology of a particular material is influenced
by the DED processing parameters. To promote amorphous or planar
grain structures, the solidification rate must be kept relatively
low and temperature gradient high. The solidification rate is
generally reflected in the table speed in the x- and y-directions.
The temperature gradient is inversely proportional to the power of
the laser. As such, table motion speed and laser power can be
selected to provide the rapid cooling necessary for formation of
the amorphous structure. The predicted cooling rate required to
fabricate an amorphous titanium-based BMG is 10.sup.5-10.sup.6
K/s.
[0024] While the amorphous titanium-based BMG has been demonstrated
to be galvanically compatible with an aluminum substrate, BMGs in
general can be more brittle. To improve ductility of the titanium
element, crystalline phases can be introduced into the
titanium-based BMG. Crystalline phases are induced during the
deposition process through the application of ultrasonic vibrations
to substrate 26. Ultrasonic transducer 20 can be positioned under
platform 14 upon which substrate 26 is secured. The ultrasonic
vibrations provide more seeds which drive crystalline grain growth.
The introduction of ultrasonic vibrations can thereby produce a
hybrid microstructure including both crystalline and amorphous
microstructures. Multiple crystalline phases can be introduced in a
single layer and in multiple layers in varying amounts by turning
ultrasonic transducer 20 on and off. Crystalline phases increase
conductivity of the material and thereby can make the material more
susceptible to corrosion. As such, it will be understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to limit the location of crystalline
phases within the titanium element to regions where corrosion is
less likely to occur.
[0025] In some embodiments, process parameters can be selected to
promote crystalline growth. Process parameters can be selected to
provide a higher solidification rate and lower temperature gradient
than required for amorphous structure formation. For example,
higher laser power and increased table speed can be used to promote
crystalline growth. Process parameters can be modified to promote
crystalline growth independent of or in conjunction with the
addition of ultrasonic vibrations.
[0026] Controlling grain structure with processing parameters can
require an accurate material model, whereas use of ultrasonic
vibration is more heuristic in nature. An accurate thermal model of
the material and experimental data is needed to calibrate a
processing map through multiple process parameter variations and to
obtain an accurate material model for crystalline-amorphous
transition. In contrast, it is given that higher ultrasonic
frequency than a threshold value (which can be determined from
experiments) will induce more seeds and initiate crystalline
transition.
[0027] In some embodiments, deep rolling, including ultrasonic deep
rolling, as known in the art, can be introduced to further improve
mechanical properties of the component. Deep rolling induces
compressive stress to the component, which can further improve
ductility and fracture properties. Deep rolling can be applied to
each deposited layer of the titanium-based BMG or can be applied to
select layers as needed to obtain the desired material properties
for a particular application. In a non-limiting embodiment,
ultrasonic deep rolling at a frequency not exceeding 50 kHz helped
promote a desired ductility of at least 10% elongation.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fan blade of a gas turbine
engine having a protective titanium sheath applied to a leading
edge using the disclosed pulsed laser DED method with ultrasonic
vibration. FIG. 2 illustrates fan blade 28. Fan blade 28 includes a
hollow aluminum fan blade (substrate 26) with outer surface 30 and
titanium sheath 32 applied at leading edge 34. Titanium sheath 32
is a multi-layer titanium-based BMG formed by pulsed laser DED with
crystalline phases induced by ultrasonic vibrations in core layers
to improve ductility. Titanium sheath 32 can be formed to any
desired thickness. In the disclosed embodiments, the titanium
sheath 32 can provide protection and strength to an underlying
aluminum blade at least equivalent to a conventional titanium
sheath of the same thickness.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
protective titanium sheath of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates substrate
26, optional interlayer 36, predominantly amorphous titanium-based
BMG layer 38, titanium-based BMG with crystalline phases layer 40,
and predominantly amorphous titanium-based BMG outer layer 42. Each
layer 36, 38, 40, and 42 can include a single material deposition
layer or multiple layers of material deposition to achieve a
desired thickness.
[0030] Interlayer 36 can optionally be applied directly to
substrate 26 to provide an interface between the aluminum substrate
and titanium-based BMG. Interlayer 36 can be magnesium, silver, or
other metal that does not galvanically interact with aluminum and
titanium. Interlayer 36 can limit the formation of undesirable
aluminides during the DED process and may improve adhesion of
titanium-based BMG layer 38. Interlayer 36 can be deposited as a
single layer of pure material (e.g., magnesium) or can be deposited
in multiple layers in combination with the titanium-based BMG layer
38, where the interlayer material is deposited in decreasing
amounts in each successive layer. For example, BMG layer 38 can
include a plurality of sub-layers (not labelled) in which
interlayer material can be included in decreasing amounts from
substrate 26 outward. Interlayer and titanium-based BMG powders can
be deposited through separate powder nozzles or can be premixed and
deposited through a single nozzle.
[0031] Titanium-based BMG layer 38 can include multiple layers of
material deposition. Titanium-based BMG layer 38 is applied by
pulsed laser DED with table speed and laser power selected to
provide rapid cooling to promote BMG formation. Titanium-based BMG
has a predominantly amorphous grain structure, which limits
galvanic corrosion. In one non-limiting embodiment, titanium-based
BMG can be Ti.sub.40Zr.sub.20Cu.sub.10Be.sub.30, which has a
melting point of 1000 K (75 K higher than pure aluminum). By
controlling the table speed and laser power, a very thin layer of
interaction between the titanium-based BMG and aluminum can be
formed. Other titanium-based BMGs are known in the art and may be
suitable for application to aluminum. Selecting a titanium-based
BMG having a melting point not exceeding 250 K greater than the
aluminum or aluminum alloy can limit the thickness of the layer of
interaction formed between the substrate and first layer of
deposited material.
[0032] Titanium-based BMG layer 40 having crystalline phases is
formed over titanium-based BMG layer 38. The crystalline phases are
provided to increase ductility of the titanium sheath. In the
non-limiting embodiment illustrated, sufficient crystalline phases
are introduced to provide a ductility of at least 10 percent
elongation. Layer 40 can include multiple layers of material
deposition with similar or varying amounts and locations of
crystalline phases formed in each layer.
[0033] Layer 40 can be formed by depositing the titanium-based BMG
in a manner consistent with the deposition of titanium-based BMG
for layer 38, but with the addition of ultrasonic vibration.
Crystalline transition or grain refinement is induced by ultrasonic
vibration provided by ultrasonic transducer 20 to substrate 26
during material deposition. Ultrasonic transducer 20 is turned on
to induce crystalline phases into the microstructure and turned off
to promote amorphous grain structure. In some embodiments,
ultrasonic vibrations can be provided continuously (ultrasonic
transducer 20 remains on) during material deposition of a layer. In
alternative embodiments, ultrasonic vibrations can be applied
intermittently to promote a hybrid microstructure including both
amorphous and crystalline microstructures. Grain structure control
and optimization can be provided by applying and removing
ultrasonic vibration during the deposition process according to a
programmed model of the microstructure.
[0034] In some embodiments, layer 40 can be formed by depositing
the titanium-based BMG using process parameters that produce a
higher solidification rate and/or lower temperature gradient than
needed for amorphous structure formation, thereby, promoting
crystalline growth. In some embodiment both processing parameter
selection and application of ultrasonic vibration can be used to
induce crystalline microstructures.
[0035] Surface layers are prone to environmental degradation and
hot corrosion. As such, it can be desirable to provide a second
layer 42 of titanium-based BMG for the outermost portion of
titanium sheath 32 thereby sandwiching crystalline layer 40 between
two amorphous BMG layers 36 and 42. Titanium-based BMG layer 42 can
be formed in a manner consistent with the formation of
titanium-based BMG layer 38, as discussed above. The presence of
crystalline layer 40 can provide sufficient ductility to titanium
sheath 32.
[0036] Titanium-based BMG can provide a 3-5 order of magnitude
reduction in electrical conductivity, thereby reducing the
potential for corrosion, while also providing high strength to
leading edge 34. The electrical conductivity for bulk metallic
glass titanium alloys of interest is around 5.800.times.10.sup.2
Siemens/m as compared to conventional non-bulk metallic glass
titanium alloys, which have an electrical conductivity around
5.800.times.10.sup.5 Siemens/m.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of method 50 for forming a titanium
element on an aluminum component. An aluminum component in net
shape or near net shape form is secured to a deposition platform in
step 52. The aluminum component can be formed by any method known
in the art, including but not limited to casting, forging, and
additive manufacturing. The aluminum component can be formed of
aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The aluminum component is not
limited to a particular component disclosed herein but can include
any component for which a titanium sheath or protective outer layer
is applied.
[0038] An optional layer of magnesium, silver, or other metal
compatible with both aluminum and titanium can be deposited on the
aluminum substrate to limit the formation of aluminides and to
promote adhesion between the aluminum component and a
titanium-based BMG layer (step 54). The interlayer can be deposited
in a single layer or multiple layers using DED. The interlayer can
be formed of pure magnesium, silver, or similar metal or can be
mixed with the titanium-based BMG in decreasing amounts in
successive layers.
[0039] The titanium-based BMG layer is deposited on an outer
surface of the aluminum component or the interlayer using a
conventional pulsed laser DED system in which powder is supplied to
the surface of a substrate in a focal beam of a laser and melted to
form a BMG layer (step 56). A table moves the aluminum component in
x- and y-directions to form a uniform layer over an entirety of an
outer surface or specified regions. Processing parameters,
including laser power and table motion can be selected to provide
rapid cooling to promote formation of the amorphous BMG
microstructure. With each layer, the table is moved downward to
maintain laser beam focus on the outermost surface of the
component.
[0040] The titanium-based BMG material can be selected based on
mechanical properties and melting point. Deposition of a
titanium-based BMG with a melting point not exceeding 125 K of the
melting point of the aluminum substrate can limit a thickness of
the region of interaction with the aluminum substrate during the
deposition process. The titanium-based BMG layer can include
multiple layers of deposited material.
[0041] Crystalline phases can be introduced in a subsequent layer
of titanium-based BMG to improve ductility of the protective
titanium element (step 58). The formation of crystalline phases is
induced by the application of ultrasonic vibrations to the aluminum
component during material deposition. Ultrasonic vibrations can be
provided by an ultrasonic transducer positioned below the
deposition platform. A controller can be used to automatically turn
the ultrasonic transducer on and off according to a model of the
component microstructure. Grain structure of the protective
titanium element can be optimized through modeling and can be
controlled by applying and removing ultrasonic vibration during the
deposition process and selecting processing parameters. Ultrasonic
vibrations can be applied continuously to promote crystalline grain
structure throughout a layer or can be applied intermittently to
promote a hybrid microstructure having both crystalline and
amorphous microstructure.
[0042] An additional amorphous titanium-based BMG layer is
deposited on the outermost portion of the titanium sheath to limit
degradation and hot corrosion (step 60). The outer titanium-based
BMG layer can be formed in a manner consistent with the formation
of inner titanium-based BMG layer, as discussed above.
[0043] Deep rolling can be applied following deposition of any
material layer, including the final amorphous titanium-based BMG
layer formed in step 60, to improve the mechanical properties of
the protective titanium sheath (step 62). Deep rolling induces
compressive stress to the component, which can further improve
ductility and fracture properties. Deep rolling can be applied to
each deposited layer of the titanium-based BMG or can be applied to
select layers as needed to obtain the desired material properties
for a particular application. In a non-limiting embodiment,
ultrasonic deep rolling at a frequency not exceeding 50 kHz
promoted a desired ductility of at least 10% elongation.
[0044] Using the disclosed modified pulsed laser DED method, a
titanium alloy can be directly deposited onto an aluminum substrate
forming a protective sheath having low galvanic interaction with
the underlying aluminum substrate and high strength. The disclosed
process produces a titanium-based bulk metallic glass (BMG), which
has an amorphous microstructure and which has been shown to result
in a 3-5 order of magnitude reduction in electrical conductivity
over current titanium sheaths. The BMG can provide strength and
protection to the component while reducing or eliminating the need
for an insulating layer. Crystalline phases introduced into layers
of the BMG using ultrasonic vibration during deposition and deep
rolling increase ductility of the protective titanium element.
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE EMBODIMENTS
[0045] The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible
embodiments of the present invention.
[0046] A method of providing a protective titanium layer to an
outer surface of an aluminum component includes providing an
aluminum component and forming a first layer of titanium-based bulk
metallic glass on the component, wherein formation of the bulk
metallic glass layer comprises depositing a titanium alloy powder
using pulsed directed energy deposition.
[0047] The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or steps:
[0048] A further embodiment of the foregoing method can include
applying vibrational energy to the component during deposition of a
second layer of the titanium alloy powder to introduce crystalline
phases into the second layer.
[0049] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein vibrational energy can be applied by an ultrasonic
transducer.
[0050] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein vibrational energy can be applied intermittently to form
both crystalline phases and amorphous phases in the second
layer.
[0051] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can
further include depositing a magnesium-containing powder using
directed energy deposition to form an insulating layer between the
component and the first layer of titanium-based bulk metallic
glass.
[0052] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein forming the first layer of titanium-based bulk metallic
glass can include simultaneously depositing a magnesium-containing
powder using pulsed directed energy deposition.
[0053] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the first layer of titanium-based bulk metallic glass can
include a plurality of sub-layers and wherein depositing the
magnesium-containing powder comprises depositing an amount of
magnesium-containing powder that decreases with successive
sub-layers.
[0054] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can
include forming a third layer of titanium-based bulk metallic glass
on the component, wherein the second layer is formed between the
first layer and the third layer.
[0055] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the second layer can have a tensile ductility of at least
ten percent.
[0056] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods can
further include modeling a target microstructure for each of a
plurality of titanium alloy layers and devising a deposition
process based on the microstructure model, wherein devising the
deposition process comprises determining a schedule for applying
vibrational energy.
[0057] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the titanium alloy powder has a melting point not exceeding
250 K greater than a melting point of the aluminum component.
[0058] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods,
wherein the component can be an airfoil and the titanium-based bulk
metallic glass layer is formed on a leading edge of the
airfoil.
[0059] An aluminum component includes an outer surface and a sheath
covering at least a portion of the outer surface, wherein the
sheath comprises a titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer
characterized by a predominantly amorphous microstructure.
[0060] The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally
include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the
following features, configurations and/or components:
[0061] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
component, wherein the sheath can further include a titanium-based
bulk metallic glass layer having both amorphous and crystalline
phases.
[0062] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components, wherein the sheath can further include a titanium alloy
layer characterized by a predominantly crystalline
microstructure
[0063] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components, wherein the titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer
can be located between the outer surface and the titanium alloy
layer characterized by a predominantly crystalline
microstructure.
[0064] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components can include a layer comprising magnesium formed between
the outer surface and the titanium-based bulk metallic glass
layer.
[0065] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components, wherein the titanium-based bulk metallic glass layer
can include a plurality of sub-layers comprising magnesium, wherein
each successive sub-layer comprises a reduced amount of
magnesium.
[0066] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components, wherein the component can be an aluminum blade of a gas
turbine engine and wherein the sheath covers a leading edge of the
blade.
[0067] A further embodiment of any of the foregoing aluminum
components, wherein the sheath has an electrical conductivity at
least three orders of magnitude less than a sheath formed of a
non-bulk metallic glass titanium or titanium alloy.
[0068] In another aspect, a method of providing a protective
titanium layer to an aluminum component includes depositing a
titanium alloy powder on an outer surface of the aluminum
component, pulsing energy directly to the titanium alloy powder,
melting the titanium alloy powder, and forming a first layer of
titanium-based bulk metallic glass on the component.
[0069] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment(s), 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(s) disclosed, but that the invention will
include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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