Article including a composite laminated end portion with a discrete end barrier and method for making and repairing
An article including a body terminating in an end portion, for example an airfoil of a blade terminating in an airfoil tip, comprises an end or tip barrier discrete from and bonded with the body. The barrier is substantially impregnable to penetration of liquid, for example water vapor. In a form in which the body is laminated, the barrier is a non-directionally dependent material, resisting delamination. In one form of a method for making such article, the end portion of an existing article is trimmed back to provide a body preform, and an end barrier is bonded with the body preform. In another method form, an end barrier is bonded with a provided body preform, the barrier and body preform together defining the article. Such articles are repairable by removing and replacing a damaged end portion or damaged barrier.
General Electric Company
Y B F F F
Y02T B23P F01D F05D F01D
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Chen-Yu Jack Gerald Alexander
Chou Pauley