Fabrication of load compressor scroll housing
AssigneeHamilton Sundstrand Corporation
InventorsJeffrey L. Moore, Mark A. Fishburn, Jessica Skaar, Nagendra Narasimha Kedlaya, Donna Jane Reid
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Abstract
A method of fabricating a load compressor scroll housing includes the steps of forging near net shape parts that are machined and subsequently welded together. The forged portions are machined to define specific features of the scroll housing along with the mating surfaces. An interface between top and bottom portions is defined within the volute chamber. The weld joint at the interface provides a finished surface within the volute chamber such that airflow is not adversely affected and additional machine process are not required within the volute chamber after formation of the weld joint.
Claims13
A method of fabricating a scroll housing for a load compressor comprising:
- forming a top portion including a first part of a volute chamber;
- forming a bottom portion including a second part of the volute chamber, the volute chamber including an outer wall and an annular passage open to an inner periphery of an inner cavity;
- forming a first mating surface on the top portion and a second mating surface on the bottom portion;
- holding the top portion to the bottom portion with the first and second mating surfaces aligned;
- directing an energy beam through the annular passage to engage an interface between the first and second mating surfaces within the volute chamber;
- and
- forming a weld at the interface with the directed energy beam.
A method of assembling a load compressor for an auxiliary power unit comprising:
- forming a scroll housing for the load compressor by forming a top portion including a first part of a volute chamber and a first mating surface, forming a bottom portion including a second part of the volute chamber and a second mating surface, the volute chamber including an outer wall and an annular passage open to an inner periphery, and forming a weld at an interface between the first and second mating surfaces by directing an energy beam through the annular passage to engage the interface within the volute chamber;
- and
- supporting an impeller within a central cavity formed in the scroll housing supported for rotation on a shaft.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.