General Electric Company

Joseph T Begovich, Jr

Douglas Duane Ward

Charles Richard Evans

Herbert S Chao

Wendy Wen-Ling Lin

Wendy Wenling Lin

A thin film that forms an interface between metal surfaces and polymeric inserts of aircraft engine fan blades. The thin film is formed from a chemical comprised of carbon black, at least one evaporable solvent, a combination of phenolic-like resins dissolved in the solvent and the balance filler and inert ingredients. The thin film, upon drying of the evaporable solvent, forms a phenolic that bonds with the metallic portion of the fan blade. After the polymeric material is applied to recesses in the fan blade and cured, a chemical bond is formed between the thin film and the elastomeric inserts. The bonded structure has improved FWT peak stresses and improved fracture toughness.

Adhesion enhancers to promote bonds of improved strength between elastomers metals in lightweight aircraft fan blades

Elastomeric formulation used in the construction of lightweight aircraft engine fan blades

A hybrid gas turbine engine airfoil is made by forming a metal airfoil with a pocket in one side thereof. The pocket is covered by a caul. An elastomeric fluid is injected into the pocket and cured therein for bonding thereto. The caul is removed from the airfoil to expose the cured elastomer conforming to the aerodynamic profile thereof.

Method of making injection formed hybrid airfoil

Growing community of inventors

West Chester, OH, United States of America

Joseph T Begovich, Jr