David William Skelly

Title: Innovations of Inventor David William Skelly

Introduction

David William Skelly, an inventive mind from Burnt Hills, New York, holds an impressive portfolio of 14 patents. His work primarily focuses on enhancing thermal barrier coating systems, which have significant applications in hostile thermal environments, such as gas turbine engines. Skelly’s innovations exemplify a commitment to advancing technology and improving performance in critical systems.

Latest Patents

Among Skelly's latest patents is a groundbreaking method for producing an enhanced thermal barrier coating system. This invention describes an article with a substrate protected by a sophisticated thermal barrier coating system. It features an interfacial layer that connects to the upper surface of the substrate, potentially comprising just a bond coat or both a bond coat and overlay coat. Notably, the upper surface of the interfacial layer is designed with a preselected, controllable pattern of three-dimensional features, such as grooves arranged in parallel or in angularly offset arrays. These features are meticulously formed through an ablation process utilizing an ultraviolet excimer laser.

Another notable patent focuses on a thermal insulating ceramic layer specifically designed for use in thermal barrier coating systems. This invention stands out due to its optimization for components enduring hostile thermal environments, like turbines, combustors, and augmentors in gas turbine engines. The ceramic layer is crafted from zirconia stabilized with yttria, exhibiting a columnar grain structure with a monoclinic phase present. The design ensures that the ceramic layer contains less than six weight percent yttria—a composition preferred to be around two to five weight percent—to achieve the desired structural integrity and performance.

Career Highlights

David William Skelly’s career includes significant experience with the General Electric Company, where he contributed to advancements in technology related to thermal barrier systems. His work has not only driven innovation within his company but has also positioned him as a key player in the field of materials engineering.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Skelly has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Melvin Robert Jackson and David John Wortman. These partnerships have fostered a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and the development of new technologies in thermal barrier coatings.

Conclusion

David William Skelly is a noteworthy inventor whose contributions to the field of thermal barrier coatings underline the importance of innovation in engineering. His patents reflect a dedication to improving performance in challenging environments and his collaborative efforts further showcase the value of teamwork in achieving significant technological advancements.