Curtis-Wright, Calif., has developed a laser injection technology for Siemens Power Generation to improve the fatigue strength of advanced steam turbine titanium final blades. The last stage blades draw energy from the steam to drive the generator. Although laser jet technology has strengthened key titanium components for commercial and military turbine engines a few years ago, it is the first production application for power generation steam turbines.

Curtis-Wright's laser jet technology is based on a neodymium glass laser technology originally developed in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. A laser beam having a peak output power of 1000 MW is pulsed to the surface of the metal part to be treated. A pressure wave of 1 million pounds per square inch squeezes the metal and leaves a protective residual compressive stress layer on the metal surface. Compressive stress increases the ability of the part to resist fatigue, abrasion fatigue and stress corrosion cracking.

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