Niobium silicide-based turbine components with composition graded portion ; methods of laser cladding of niobium silicide on a turbin component, also used for repairing

摘要

A turbine component (10) formed from a niobium silicide-based composition is described. The component (10) can be compositionally-graded through at least a portion of its structure. A turbine blade (10) formed from a composition which includes a niobium silicide alloy is also described. The blade includes an airfoil (12), an airfoil tip region (31), a platform (24) on which the airfoil (12) is mounted and a dovetail root (26) attached to an underside of the platform (24). The niobium silicide alloy in at least one portion of the turbine blade (10) is compositionally different from the niobium silicide alloy in another portion of the turbine blade (10). Processes for fabricating a niobium silicide-based turbine article are also described, using laser cladding techniques. Repair methods are also set forth in the application.