Turbine Component Restoration by Diffusion Brazing

Operating components found in today's high performance aircraft and industrial gas turbines are subject to the most demanding conditions and hostile operating environments imaginable. As such, sophisticated part designs and advanced materials are being utilized to overcome the stringent demands encountered in these engines. Most distressed parts include blades, vanes, shrouds, frames, combustors, etc. These are generally constructed of high strength, heat resistant nickel or cobalt base alloys. Their costs are high, often in the tens of thousands of dollars. When damage occurs, usually thermal fatigue cracking, the part is no longer serviceable and must be repaired or worse - retired and replaced. Weld repair, though satisfactory, has inherent problems. This paper discusses activated diffusion brazing as a viable repair procedure for crack healing.