Process for applying a shape memory alloy erosion resistant protective structure onto an airfoil of a turbine blade

1. A process for combining an erosion resistant protective structure with a substrate to form a component comprising a blade having an airfoil for use in a turbine comprising:

providing a substrate formed from an alloy, the substrate comprising the blade having the airfoil;

providing an erosion resistant protective structure formed from a shape memory alloy exhibiting a martensite phase when cooled to a temperature equal to or less than a martensite finish temperature, and an austenite phase when heated to an austenite finish temperature less than a predefined temperature;

cooling the protective structure shape memory alloy such that the shape memory alloy changes to a martensite phase;

applying the protective structure to a portion of the airfoil while the shape memory alloy is in the martensite phase;

heating the protective structure shape memory alloy such that the protective structure shape memory alloy changes from the martensite phase to the austenite phase and becomes mechanically coupled to the airfoil; and

wherein the protective structure shape memory alloy defines a portion of the component that is exposed to a fluid passing through the turbine, and wherein the protective structure shape memory alloy covers the portion of the airfoil for protecting the portion of the airfoil from erosion caused by contact with fluid droplets.

2. The process as set out in claim 1 , further comprising expanding the protective structure shape memory alloy when in the martensite phase from an original shape to an expanded shape prior to said applying.

3. The process as set out in claim 2 , wherein said protective structure frictionally engages the substrate as the protective structure shape memory alloy attempts to return to its original shape when changing to the austenite phase.

4. The process as set out in claim 3 , wherein applying the protective structure to a portion of the airfoil comprises applying the protective structure to one of a trailing edge and a leading edge of the airfoil.

5. The process as set out in claim 4 , wherein heating the protective structure shape memory alloy comprises heating the protective structure shape memory alloy such that the protective structure shape memory alloy changes from the martensite phase to the austenite phase and frictionally engages opposed surfaces of the airfoil adjacent to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge to mechanically couple the protective structure shape memory alloy to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil.

6. The process as set out in claim 1 , wherein said shape memory alloy comprises an alloy exhibiting a superelastic phase at a temperature corresponding to an operating temperature to which the component is exposed when used within the turbine.

7. The process as set out in claim 1 , wherein the predefined temperature comprises ambient temperature.

8. A process for combining an erosion resistant protective structure with a substrate to form a component comprising a blade having an airfoil for use in a turbine comprising:

providing a substrate formed from an alloy, the substrate comprising the blade having the airfoil, the airfoil comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge opposed from the leading edge;

providing an erosion resistant protective structure formed from a shape memory alloy capable of changing between a martensite phase and an austenite phase;

applying the protective structure to a portion of one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil while the shape memory alloy is in the martensite phase; and

causing said protective structure shape memory alloy to change from the martensite phase to the austenite phase so as to become mechanically coupled to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil; and

wherein the protective structure shape memory alloy defines a portion of the component that is exposed to a fluid passing through the turbine, and wherein the protective structure shape memory alloy covers the portion of the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil for protecting the portion of the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil from erosion caused by contact with fluid droplets.

9. The process as set out in claim 8 , further comprising cooling the protective structure shape memory alloy to a martensite finish temperature below a predefined temperature such that the shape memory alloy changes to a martensite phase.

10. The process as set out in claim 9 , wherein said causing step comprises heating the protective structure shape memory alloy to an austenite finish temperature less than the predefined temperature such that the protective structure shape memory alloy changes from the martensite phase to the austenite phase and becomes mechanically coupled to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil.

11. The process as set out in claim 10 , wherein the predefined temperature comprises ambient temperature.

12. The process as set out in claim 10 , wherein said protective structure frictionally engages opposed surfaces of the airfoil adjacent to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge to mechanically couple the protective structure shape memory alloy to the one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the airfoil as the protective structure shape memory alloy changes to the austenite phase.