Entrapment Plating of Abrasive Particles for Jet Engine Clearance Control

The application of an abrasive coating to the tip of a rotating member in order to minimize tip recession upon contact with a static component allows turbine (and/or compressor) efficiency to be retained via the resultant reduction in tip clearance and associated leakage.

Entrapment electroplating of abrasive particles provides the most flexible and controllable means of applying such coatings to engine components, but is somewhat limited by component geometry.

Techniques are described for the application of entrapment plated abrasive coatings to the tips of high pressure turbine blades and turbine seal teeth.