US3942581A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for casting directionally solidified articles
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1974-11-29
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Granted: 1976-03-09
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Expires: 1994-11-29
Abstract
Abstract The invention relates to an improved method of casting superalloy articles and more particularly to an apparatus for directionally solidifying eutectic superalloy compositions to produce a composite structure of a superalloy matrix reinforced with aligned carbide fibers. The improvement includes positioning a movable bed of a ceramic insulation around the mold such that as the mold is lowered the bed forms a continuous heat insulating barrier around the sides of the mold to prevent lateral heat transfer.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas F. Sawyer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 17:22
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22D; B22D27/00; B22D27/04; B22D27/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for producing a directionally solidified article from a eutectic superalloy composition comprising: a. a mold within a heating zone, said mold having a lower portion and being attached at its bottom to a chill plate; b. a retaining means for a ceramic insulation around the heating zone and said lower portion of the mold, said retaining means being attached at its bottom to said chill plate; c. a substantially spherical ceramic insulation disposed in said retaining means and in contact with said lower portion of the mold; and d. a means for lowering said mold out of said heating zone and to permit the insulation to form a continuous heat barrier around the portion of the mold descending out of the heating zone.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
125 words
An apparatus for producing a directionally solidified article from a eutectic superalloy composition comprising: a. a mold within a heating zone, said mold having a lower portion and being attached at its bottom to a chill plate; b. a retaining means for a ceramic insulation around the heating zone and said lower portion of the mold, said retaining means being attached at its bottom to said chill plate; c. a substantially spherical ceramic insulation disposed in said retaining means and in contact with said lower portion of the mold; and d. a means for lowering said mold out of said heating zone and to permit the insulation to form a continuous heat barrier around the portion of the mold descending out of the heating zone.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said insulation is a plurality of hollow alumina bodies.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said insulation is a plurality of hollow zirconia bodies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
88 words
In the casting of superalloys wherein molten alloy is introduced into a movable mold extending into a heating zone and gradually lowering the mold and simultaneously chilling the lower end of the mold to achieve directional solidification, the improvement comprising disposing a plurality of hollow ceramic bodies around the mold such that as the mold is lowered, the bodies conform to and form a contacting insulating layer around the outside surface of the mold as it is exposed below the heating zone whereby lateral heat transfer is prevented.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
88 words
In the casting of superalloys wherein molten alloy is introduced into a movable mold extending into a heating zone and gradually lowering the mold and simultaneously chilling the lower end of the mold to achieve directional solidification, the improvement comprising disposing a plurality of hollow ceramic bodies around the mold such that as the mold is lowered, the bodies conform to and form a contacting insulating layer around the outside surface of the mold as it is exposed below the heating zone whereby lateral heat transfer is prevented.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 4, wherein the superalloy is a eutectic composition and the directionally solidified product has a composite structure of a superalloy matrix reinforced with aligned carbide fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said superalloy is a nickel-base alloy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 6, wherein said superalloy contains tantalum and carbon in an amount sufficient to form tantalum monocarbide fibers during directional solidification.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said superalloy is a cobalt-base alloy.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8, wherein said superalloy contains tantalum and carbon in an amount sufficient to form tantalum monocarbide fibers during directional solidification.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 4, wherein said hollow ceramic bodies have a composition selected from the group consisting of alumina and zirconia.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-03-09 | 1979-09-08 | 1980-03-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-03-09 | 1983-09-08 | 1984-03-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-03-09 | 1987-09-08 | 1988-03-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |