Title: Neutral line-based Robust Profile Reconstruction for adaptive machining of turbine blade tip welds

Authors: XiaoQi Chen, Wen-Jong Lin, Tsong-Jye Ng

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand. ' Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71, Nanyang Drive, 638075, Singapore. ' Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology, 71, Nanyang Drive, 638075, Singapore

Abstract: Overhauling aero-engine turbine blades involves restoration of the blade tip through cutting off the worn tip, re-creating the tip by welding deposition, and final polishing of the tip weld. A Robust Profile Reconstruction (RPR) algorithm has been developed to reconstruct the post-usage profile based on sectional measurement data, and further generate the tool path based on the 3D profile. The algorithm adopts the novel neutral line concept and the interpretation vector method by finding the relationship between the original manufacturing profile of the new blade and its current profile in each of the 2D cross-sectional layer.

Keywords: MRO; maintenance repair overhaul; adaptive machining; HPT; high-pressure turbine blades; RPR; robust profile reconstruction; neutral lines; reference templates; compensate angles; turbine blade tip welds; aeroengine turbine blades; tip welding deposition; tool path generation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMR.2009.024540

International Journal of Manufacturing Research, 2009 Vol.4 No.2, pp.236 - 251

Published online: 09 Apr 2009 *

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