Electroslag melting was originally developed specifically for aero-engine alloys through the work of Hopkins in the USA during the decade of the 1940s. Conventional piston-engine aircraft used these alloys extensively in that timeframe. It is interesting to note that even today, the use of ESR for rotating parts in aero-engines is extremely limited. In this work the reasons for this situation, which lie in specific quality concerns are explored. In field of airframe alloys, particularly landing gear materials, attempts have been made on several occasions to introduce ESR but without extensive commercial success. In this case the reasons are not connected with metallurgical quality, which has been shown to be very adequate for the application, but in the network of specifications which surrounds the potential use of the alloys. The investigations which have been carried out into the aerospace applications of ESR are reviewed and the concerns resulting from these projects are highlighted. It can be concluded that the essential factor that limits the application of ESR in this field is the 'robustness' of the process, This aspect contains process control, reliability of procedures and the very narrow window of operating variables necessary to manufacture high-quality alloys. All of these aspects have been intensively investigated and it is not clear at this time if improvements might be carried out which would make ESR a route of choice for rotating-part components. Instead, ESR employed as part of the 'Triple Melt' process is seen to be the best way in which to take advantage of its features, and is the method which has been adopted by most manufacturers worldwide.
Electroslag technology for aerospace alloys
Elektroschlacketechnologie für Raumfahrtlegierungen
Advances in Electrometallurgy ; 4 ; 31-36
2008
6 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 28 Quellen
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Englisch
Electroslag process for shipyards
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