Integral, Low-Cost, High-Temperature Turbine Feasibility Demonstrator (Small Laminated Axial Turbine Program).

The Integral Low-Cost, High-Temperature Turbine Feasibility Demonstrator Program was conducted to establish the feasibility of constructing a small, integral, cooled turbine using photoetched laminates bonded together to form a complete wheel. A turbine design was established utilizing a cooling scheme compatible with operation at 2600 F. Methods were established for making the laminate photoetch tooling with the use of computer graphic design techniques. Photoetching and bonding parameters were optimized through the use of small bonded stacks. The photoetch and bonding methods were further optimized by bonding full-size wheel blanks, and the successful construction of a complete integral, cooled, laminated turbine. The wheel integrity was established by subjecting it to a 115-percent design speed spinpit test. It is recommended that this method of turbine construction be further developed because of the great potential for both cost-reduction and achieving high operating temperature capability through this approach. Author