The purpose of this project was to design a physical simulation system that accurately and precisely models the Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition (EB-PVD) chamber at Pratt and Whitney, which applies Thermal Barrier Coatings (TBCs) to gas turbine aircraft engine blades. With the use of the light box simulation system, light intensity was measured with photocells, which were then analyzed. A thickness prediction model was derived to correlate these light intensity readings to coating thickness in order to predict coating thickness at various points on the blade. Shadowing effects were simulated with the use of differed sized shadow bars at different distances from the leading edge, giving us the ability to better control applied coating thickness on the leading edge and the concave side of the blade.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Tolmie, David Bernard
• Adamo, Benoit

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 02A008M

Advisor

• Sisson, Richard D.

Year

• 2002

Sponsor

• Pratt & Whitney Group

Date created

• 2002-01-01

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright