Laser microprocessing for aeroengine MRO support
Abstract
<p indent="0mm">In precision engineering, laser has been more applicable considering its great advantages in microprocessing and nanofabrication, which have great potentials and high impact applications in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry for aeroengines. Increasing efficiency of new-generation aeroengine requires functionalized metal components working under extreme conditions, such as high temperature, high pressure and high speed of rotation. As a non-contact manufacturing and re-manufacturing technology, laser microprocessing shows significant contribution in surface treatment of metallic components for aeroengines, leading to the performance enhancement of heat resistance, mechanical strength, decreased friction drag force and anti-icing property. In this article, laser interaction with aeronautical metallic materials and its applications are introduced for the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of aeroengines. It is interesting to explore the specific process and characteristics of laser processing, which play an important role in advanced manufacturing. Due to the complicated production procedures of aeroengine, it is of much significance to explore the physics behind laser interaction with materials in order to properly utilize the unique characteristics of laser, such as high monochromaticity, high brightness, high directivity and high coherence. Meanwhile, it benefits much to study the dynamic process of interactions and its mechanisms in laser applications, such as laser structuring, cleaning, additive manufacturing, peening, cutting and welding etc. There exist both photo-chemical and photo-thermal processes when laser and materials interact. Based on the laser microprocessing in the specific industry, the building-up MRO support system of aeroengines could be provided by a dynamic mechanism between the pioneering research outcomes and industrial demanding, leading to the fast development of advanced high-end manufacturing equipment.</p>
