Abstract:
A plated polymer component is disclosed. The plated polymer component may comprise a polymer substrate having an outer surface, a metal plating attached to the outer surface of the polymer substrate, and at least one interlocking feature connecting the polymer substrate and the metal plating. The interlocking feature may improve the interfacial bond strength between the polymer substrate and the metal plating.
Abstract:
Plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts and methods for fabricating lightweight plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts are disclosed. The parts include a polymeric substrate plated with one or more metal layers. The polymeric material of the polymeric substrate may be structurally reinforced with materials that may include carbon, metal, or glass. The polymeric substrate may also include a plurality of layers to form a composite layup structure.
Abstract:
Plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts and methods for fabricating lightweight plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts are disclosed. The parts include a polymeric substrate plated with one or more metal layers. The polymeric material of the polymeric substrate may be structurally reinforced with materials that may include carbon, metal, or glass. The polymeric substrate may also include a plurality of layers to form a composite layup structure.
Abstract:
Methods for fabricating lightweight or hollow metal parts are disclosed. First, a polymer is formed into an article of a desired shape or geometry. The outer surface of the article is prepared to receive a catalyst and then the outer surface is activated with the catalyst. A first metallic layer is then plated onto the outer surface to form a structure. Optional additional metallic layers may be applied. The polymer may be removed from the structure before it is subjected to a final heat treatment for alloying purposes.
Abstract:
An airfoil is disclosed. The airfoil may comprise a body portion having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, and a suction side. The airfoil may further comprise a compliant attachment bonded to the body portion and the compliant attachment may be configured to connect to a support structure. The compliant attachment may have a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate between a coefficient of the thermal expansion of the body portion of the airfoil and a coefficient of thermal expansion of the support structure.
Abstract:
Plated polymeric articles having anti-counterfeiting tags therein and method of making the same are disclosed. A plated polymeric article comprises a polymer shaped formed into a desired shape with an anti-counterfeiting tag incorporated therein. The plated polymeric article comprises a first metal plated onto the polymer and a second metal deposited onto the first metal. Alternatively, a plated polymeric article comprises a composite layup having first and second polymer layers with an anti-counterfeiting tag disposed between the layers. The plated polymeric article further comprises a first metal plated onto the polymer. Lastly, a method for fabricating a plated polymeric article is disclosed. A polymer is formed into a desired shape, the polymer having an anti-counterfeiting tag incorporated therein. The outer surface of the article is prepared to receive a catalyst and then is activated with the catalyst. A first metallic layer is then plated onto the outer surface.
Abstract:
Plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts and methods for fabricating lightweight plated polymeric gas turbine engine parts are disclosed. The parts include a polymeric substrate plated with one or more metal layers. The polymeric material of the polymeric substrate may be structurally reinforced with materials that may include carbon, metal, or glass. The polymeric substrate may also include a plurality of layers to form a composite layup structure.
Abstract:
An airfoil is disclosed. The airfoil may comprise a leading edge, a body portion and a trailing edge formed from a high-modulus plating. The body portion of the airfoil may be formed from a material having a lower elastic modulus than the high-modulus plating. The high-modulus plating may improve the stiffness of the trailing edge, allowing for thinner trailing edges with improved fatigue life to be formed.
Abstract:
A plated tubular lattice structure is described. The plated tubular lattice structure may comprise a backbone structure which may include a plurality of axial posts and a plurality of pyramidal structures extending laterally from the axial posts and connecting the axial posts at nodes. The plated tubular lattice structure may further comprise a metal plating layer plated on an outer surface of the backbone structure.