Peter E. Leibfried - Vernon CT Raymond P. Ristau - Tolland CT Steven F. Keeney - Jupiter FL Dennis Wentworth - Wales MA
Assignee:
United Technologies Corporation - Hartford CT
International Classification:
B23P 1504
US Classification:
2988972
Abstract:
A process is described for producing hollow articles from high strength, high temperature metals such as titanium alloys. A finite element analysis is used to determine a preform configuration in which the external surface of the finished article is translated into a flat plane. All machining is performed on flat stock on only one side, and includes mating cavities which define the hollow portion of the article. The preforms are die forged and diffusion bonded and then superplastically inflated to fit the contour of a cavity in a die, which provides the external contour of the article.