Rolls-royce Corporation

Rusty M Garner

Damon Ward

Monica Sy Munoz

Jeffrey F Rhodes

Christopher Nash

Matthew T Kush

Charles Alan Bulgrin

Carl R Russo

Anthony F Allen

Clinton A Hammes

The disclosure describes a method for defining an electrode of a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) tool that is performed by one or more processors. The method includes receiving workpiece measurement data representative of a machined surface of a machined workpiece. The machined workpiece has been machined by a working surface of an initial electrode. The method includes identifying a set of dimensional differences between the workpiece measurement data and workpiece model data representative of a finished surface of a master workpiece. The method includes updating, based on the set of dimensional differences, initial electrode model data representative of the working surface of the initial electrode and outputting the updated electrode model data.

Automated iterative electrode fabrication for pulsed electrochemical machining

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system includes a pECM tool comprising a tool body defining a tool axis, the tool body comprising one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes comprising an electrically conductive material and defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece; an enclosure system configured to hold the workpiece, wherein the enclosure system comprises: a first clamp configured to grip a first end of the workpiece; a second clamp configured to grip a second end of the workpiece; and a backside support configured to support a span of the workpiece between the first end and the second end.

Workholding for pulsed electrochemical machining

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a pECM assembly. The pECM assembly includes a tool body which defines a tool axis and includes an electrode which includes an electrically conductive material and defines working surface. The pECM system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to an interelectrode gap, and the electrolyte system includes a vacuum system. The tool body defines a working surface configured to face a workpiece, and the working surface defines a plurality of apertures configured to fluidically couple to an electrolyte system. The tool body includes a manifold block defining at least one electrolyte inlet and at least one electrolyte outlet, a baffle element, and the electrode. The tool body is configured to receive electrolyte from an electrolyte system at the electrolyte inlet in the manifold block and feed electrolyte through the baffle element to the working surface of the electrode.

Pulsed electrochemical machining

A pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a tool body defining a tool axis and a proximal end and a distal end. The tool body includes one or more electrodes, each of the one or more electrodes defining a working surface at the distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. Electrolyte at least partially fills an interelectrode gap defined by the working surface at the distal end of the tool axis and a target surface of the workpiece. A first flow block coupled to the tool body and a second flow block coupled to the workpiece are configured to form at least one seal surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the interelectrode gap, and the at least one seal is configured to reduce or eliminate flow of the electrolyte out of the portion of the perimeter of the interelectrode gap.

Flow block sealing methods

In some examples, a pulsed electrochemical machining (pECM) system including a first tool body including a first electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece and a second tool body including a second electrode defining a working surface at a distal end of the tool axis configured to face a workpiece. The system includes a mechanical system configured to position the working surface of the first tool body relative to the workpiece and configured to position the working surface of the second tool body relative to the workpiece. The system includes an electrolyte system configured to supply electrolyte to a first interelectrode gap and a second interelectrode gap and a power supply configured to generate a pulsed direct current between the first tool body and the workpiece and the second tool body and the workpiece.

Dual head pECM

The disclosure describes example techniques and assemblies for joining a first component and a second component. The techniques may include positioning the first and second component adjacent to each other to define a joint region between adjacent portions of the first component and the second component. The techniques may also include inserting a solid retainer material into the joint region through an aperture in one of the first component or the second component to form a mechanical interlock between the first component and the second component and sealing the aperture to retain the solid retainer material within the joint region. The solid retainer material includes at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic.

Techniques and assemblies for joining components using solid retainer materials

A component comprises a set of thin film cooling holes formed therein. Each of the thin film cooling holes provides a passage between a first surface of the component and a second surface of the component. Each of the thin film cooling holes includes a smooth transition between the first surface of the component and the surface the passage, and a progressively steeper flow path relative to the first surface of the component and between the smooth transition and the second surface of the component.

Machined film holes

A fixture may include a plurality of alloy pressure pads shaped to contact a component to be brazed or diffusion bonded, a plurality of springs, and at least one alloy support. In some examples, each spring of the plurality of springs is shaped to have a substantially constant stress throughout the spring. The plurality of springs may be between and contacting the at least one alloy support and the plurality of alloy pressure pads to exert spring forces on the plurality of alloy pressure pads. In some examples, the plurality of springs include a plurality of silicon nitride springs.

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Brownsburg, IN, United States of America

Rusty M Garner