Title: An overview on micro-meso manufacturing techniques for micro-heat exchangers for turbine blade cooling

Authors: James Eugene John Lambie, Fengfeng Xi, Bo Tan, B.A. Jubran

Addresses: Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada. ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada. ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada. ' Department of Aerospace Engineering, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3, Canada

Abstract: There is a growing interest in design and manufacturing of micro-heat exchangers embedded in turbine blades of the jet engine for turbine blade cooling. The pertaining manufacturing technologies fall under micro-meso manufacturing, including subtractive methods, additive methods, and near net shaping methods. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of micro-meso manufacturing methods under these three categories and discuss their suitability for potential use for mass manufacturing of the turbine blades with integrated micro heat exchangers. Through comparison, several methods are identified as potential candidates, including micro-EDM, micro laser machining, and micro casting.

Keywords: micro heat exchangers; turbine blades; micro-meso manufacturing; aerospace manufacturing; turbine blade cooling; jet engines; near net shaping; micro EDM, micro laser machining; micro casting; electro-discharge machining; electrical discharge machining.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2008.016450

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2008 Vol.3 No.1, pp.3 - 26

Published online: 29 Dec 2007 *

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