Tuned differential shrinkage sinter joining
A system for an engine comprises a component manufactured via additive manufacturing. The component includes a first material with a first contraction rate. An insert is disposed in the component and comprises a second material with a second contraction rate that is lower than the first contraction rate. When the component and the insert are exposed to a temperature suitable for sintering, the component contracts around the insert, thereby coupling the insert and the component.
1 . A system for an engine, comprising:
an engine component manufactured via additive manufacturing, the engine component comprising a first material of a first density with a first contraction rate and a ledge; and
an insert disposed in the engine component and in contact with the ledge, the insert comprising a second material of a second density with a second contraction rate that is lower than the first contraction rate, the second density greater than the first density;
wherein when the engine component and the insert are exposed to a temperature suitable for sintering, the engine component contracts around the insert, thereby coupling the insert and the engine component.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the first material and the second material are comprised of the same constituents.
3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the engine component is a first engine component, and wherein the system is further comprising a second engine component, and the insert coupling the first engine component to the second engine component.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the second engine component has a third contraction rate, the second contraction rate of the insert is lower than the third contraction rate of the second engine component.
5 . A component in an engine, comprising:
a body including a ledge and comprising a first material of a first density with a first contraction rate; and
an insert disposed in the body and in contact with the ledge, the insert comprising a second material of a second density with a second contraction rate that is lower than the first contraction rate, the second density greater than the first density, such that when the body and the insert are exposed to a temperature suitable for sintering, the body contracts around the insert to form a bulge having a greater width than a width of the body above and below the insert.
6 . The component of claim 5 , wherein the insert is a bonding insert.
7 . The component of claim 5 , wherein the insert is a sealing insert.
8 . The component of claim 5 , wherein the insert is a closure insert.
9 . An engine system, comprising:
a component comprising a first material of a first density with a first contraction rate, the component defining an opening that extends through a central portion of the component; and
an insert disposed in the component, the insert comprising a second material of a second density with a second contraction rate that is lower than the first contraction rate, the second density greater than the first density,
wherein the component comprises a ledge that extends into the opening, the ledge in contact with the insert.
10 . The engine system of claim 9 , wherein the insert is disposed within the opening.
11 . The engine system of claim 9 , wherein the insert is sized such that there is a gap between the insert and the component.
12 . The engine system of claim 9 , wherein the insert is sized such that the insert is press fit within the component.