Christopher J Millea

Title: Innovations by Christopher J Millea

Introduction

Christopher J Millea is an accomplished inventor based in Coventry, CT (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of advanced ceramic coatings for gas turbine engine components. With a total of 2 patents, Millea's work focuses on enhancing the performance and durability of critical aerospace components.

Latest Patents

Millea's latest patents include a ceramic coating polishing method and a laser-assisted oxide removal technique. The ceramic coating polishing method involves applying a rotating diamond brush to the outer surface of a ceramic-coated gas turbine engine component. This innovative approach achieves a uniform finish of 150 microinches R or less, while limiting abrasive removal of ceramic material to only 0.0005 to 0.00075 inch. This method not only saves time and expense over past practices but also provides an improved thermal barrier for maintaining the structural integrity of components in extreme temperature environments, reaching up to 2,000 degrees Celsius.

The laser-assisted oxide removal method focuses on forming a thermal barrier coating on a metal part. This process includes laser cleaning the surface of the metal part to eliminate undesirable oxides and residues. Following this, an aluminum-containing bondcoat is deposited, and a ceramic topcoat is applied at high temperatures. This innovative technique enhances the performance of metal parts in high-stress applications.

Career Highlights

Millea has built a successful career at United Technologies Corporation, where he has been instrumental in advancing aerospace technologies. His expertise in ceramic coatings and thermal barrier systems has positioned him as a key contributor to the company's innovative projects.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Millea has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert J Meehan and Neil B Ridgeway. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages the exchange of ideas and the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Conclusion

Christopher J Millea's contributions to the field of aerospace engineering through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to advancing technology. His work not only enhances the performance of gas turbine engine components but also sets a standard for future innovations in the industry.