FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to blades for turbine engines and, more particularly, to the repair of the tip portion of turbine blades.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional gas turbine engine includes multiple rows of compressor blades, multiple rows of rotating turbine blades and a rotating shaft. The turbine blades are designed to convert the hot working gas of the gas turbine engine into rotational energy of the shaft within a turbine section of the engine. Each turbine blade comprises a radially extending outer wall, defining an airfoil shape, and a blade tip. The turbine blades are typically formed of a superalloy material, such as a nickel-based superalloy material. An internal cavity is formed by the outer wall and has a radially outer end that is closed by a tip cap that is typically surrounded by a squealer structure. A cooling fluid is channeled through the internal cavity to cool the outer wall and blade tip.

During normal operation of the gas turbine engine, thermal and mechanical stresses in the turbine blades may result in the formation of defects, such as cracks, in the material of the blades. Gas turbine components, and in particular the turbine blades, are routinely serviced and exchanged when necessary. In order to extend the operational life of the components, whenever possible they are refurbished, after which they may be reused in a gas turbine. Such refurbishment of a turbine blade may, for example, involve replacement of the tip cap and reformation of the squealer structure, such as by build-up welding at the blade tip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with aspects of the invention, a method of repairing a turbine blade is provided, the turbine blade including a radially extending outer wall defining an internal cavity width and a blade tip. The method comprises removing at least a portion of the blade tip to form a repair surface, providing a tip cap having a radially outer side with an outer width less than the internal cavity width and a radially inner side with an inner width substantially equal to or greater than the internal cavity width, positioning the tip cap at the repair surface such that the radially outer side does not overlap the outer wall, welding the tip cap to the repair surface, and forming a cap peripheral portion by welding.

Further aspects of the invention include that the method may further comprise the welding of the tip cap comprising welding a joint between the tip cap and the repair surface with a material having a higher ductility than a ductility of the cap peripheral portion. The method may further include forming a replacement squealer portion on the cap peripheral portion by welding, wherein the replacement squealer portion comprises a material different than a material used in the forming of the cap replacement portion by welding. The tip cap may comprise a radially outer side surface, a radially inner side surface, a pressure side surface, and a suction side surface, wherein the radially outer side surface and the radially inner side surface may be substantially parallel and the pressure side surface and the suction side surface may be substantially non-parallel extending in a radial direction.

The tip cap may additionally comprise a radially outer side surface, a radially inner side surface, and a plurality of pressure side surfaces and suction side surfaces. One of the pressure side surfaces may be located adjacent to the repair surface and one of the suction side surfaces may be located adjacent to the repair surface, and the pressure and suction side surfaces located adjacent to the repair surface may be substantially non-parallel relative to each other, extending in a radial direction. The tip cap may have a top hat cross section including a radially inner peripheral portion in overlapping relation to the repair surface, and a radially outer peripheral portion in non-overlapping relation to the repair surface. Welding the tip cap may comprise welding a joint between the tip cap and the repair surface with a filler material having a higher ductility than a ductility of the cap peripheral portion, and the filler material may generally extend along the pressure and suction side surfaces a radial distance that is no greater than a radial extent of the radially inner peripheral portion.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, a method of repairing a turbine blade is provided, the turbine blade including a radially extending outer wall and a blade tip. The method comprises removing at least a portion of the blade tip to form a repair surface, providing a tip cap having a periphery comprising overlapping sections and non-overlapping sections, positioning the tip cap on the repair surface such that the tip cap overlaps the outer wall at the overlapping sections and the tip cap does not overlap the outer wall at the non-overlapping sections, welding the tip cap to the repair surface, and forming a cap peripheral portion by welding.

In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the overlapping and non- overlapping sections may comprise alternating sections located around the periphery of the tip cap. The overlapping and non-overlapping sections may define a serrated edge around the periphery of the tip cap. Welding the tip cap may comprise welding a joint between the tip cap and the repair surface with a material having a higher ductility than a ductility of the cap peripheral portion. The method may further include forming a replacement squealer portion on the cap peripheral portion by welding, wherein the replacement squealer portion comprises a material different than a material used in the forming a cap replacement portion by welding.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a method of repairing a turbine blade is provided, the turbine blade defining an airfoil shape and having a blade tip. The method comprises removing at least a portion of the blade tip to form a repair surface, providing a tip cap having a periphery configured with a shape generally matching the airfoil shape, the periphery including protruding portions extending in a direction generally perpendicular to a radial direction of the turbine blade, positioning the tip cap on the repair surface such that at least a portion of the tip cap overlaps the outer wall, welding the tip cap to the repair surface, and forming a cap peripheral portion by welding.

Further aspects of the invention include providing a tip cap that may comprise a radially outer side surface, a radially inner side surface, a pressure side surface, and a suction side surface, wherein the radially outer side surface and the radially inner side surface are substantially parallel and the protruding portions extend from the radially outer side surface to the radially inner side surface. The protruding portions may define an undulating surface of the periphery. The undulating surface of the periphery may comprise overlapping sections and non-overlapping sections, and positioning the tip cap on the repair surface may comprise positioning the tip cap such that the periphery overlaps the outer wall at the overlapping sections and the tip cap does not overlap the outer wall at the non-overlapping sections. Welding the tip cap may comprise welding a joint between the tip cap and the repair surface with a material having a higher ductility than a ductility of the cap peripheral portion. The method may further include forming a replacement squealer portion on the cap peripheral portion by welding, wherein the replacement squealer portion comprises a material different than a material used in forming a cap peripheral portion by welding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the

accompanying Drawing Figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art turbine blade having cracks formed in the blade tip;

FIGS. 2A-2G are cross-sectional views illustrating a replacement turbine blade tip and steps of the blade tip repair method according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a replacement turbine blade tip according to further aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a replacement turbine blade tip according to still further aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a replacement turbine blade tip according to still further aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a replacement turbine blade tip according to yet further aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a replacement tip cap corresponding to the

replacement turbine blade tip shown in FIG. 2G, and shown in position on an outer wall of a turbine blade prior to attachment;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a replacement tip cap corresponding to the

replacement turbine blade tip shown in FIG. 6, and shown in position on an outer wall of a turbine blade prior to attachment; and

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a replacement tip cap that is a variation of the replacement tip cap shown in FIG. 8, and shown in position on an outer wall of a turbine blade prior to attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, a specific preferred embodiment in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1 which shows a turbine blade 10 in a gas turbine engine (not shown), wherein the blade 10 includes a damaged blade tip 12, such as may be identified during a routine maintenance inspection of the engine. The turbine blade 10 is one of a plurality of turbine blades 14 that are

circumferentially aligned in the gas turbine engine. The turbine blade 10 comprises an airfoil 16 extending radially outwardly from a mounting location such as a rotor disk of a rotor assembly (not shown). The airfoil 16 includes an airfoil outer wall 18 extending in a radial direction from a blade platform 20. The outer wall 18 of the airfoil 16 is exposed to a high temperature working gas of the gas turbine engine and comprises a pressure side wall 22 and an oppositely facing suction side wall 24. The pressure and suction side walls 22, 24 are joined together at chordally spaced apart leading and trailing edges 26, 28 of the airfoil 16. The blade tip 12 of the turbine blade 10 is located at a radially outer end of the outer wall 18, distal from the platform 20. The blade tip 12 includes a squealer portion 30 defining an outward extension of the airfoil outer wall 18. The blade tip 12 further comprises a tip cap 32 that is recessed from a radially outer end of the squealer portion 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The tip cap 32 defines a closure over an opening formed at a radially outer end of the airfoil outer wall 18 to define a closed internal cavity 34 at the blade tip 12, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C-G.

During operation of the gas turbine engine, cooling air circulates through the internal cavity 34 in order to cool the outer wall 18 and blade tip 12 of the turbine blade 10. Portions of the cooling air may be distributed from the internal cavity 34 through film cooling holes 36 in the outer wall 18, and through convective cooling holes 38 extending through the tip cap 32. Additionally, the turbine blade 10 may comprise a thermal barrier coating 40 on the outer surface of the airfoil outer wall 18 and squealer portion 30, as shown in FIG. 2A.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , thermally and mechanically induced stresses, such as may be present during normal operation of the gas turbine engine, may result in damage to the squealer portion 30 and tip cap 32 of the turbine blade 10 in the form of cracks 42 at the blade tip 12. A turbine blade 10 exhibiting such cracks, such as may be observed during a routine inspection of the engine, is typically removed from the engine and repaired or refurbished for reinstallation in an engine. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method of repairing a turbine blade is described, including providing a durable tip cap structure that limits or reduces stress cracking in the tip cap, whereby the service life of the blade may be extended.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2G, specific aspects of the present invention will be described. FIG. 2A depicts a turbine blade representative of a turbine blade requiring a blade tip repair, such as the turbine blade 10 shown in Fig. 1 , and may be formed as a cast component comprising a superalloy material such as, for example, IN-738. Although the present invention is not necessarily limited to the particular component materials referenced herein.

The method according to aspects of the present invention comprises removing at least a portion of the blade tip 12 to form a repair surface 46, as shown in FIG. 2B. The removal of the blade tip 12 may be accomplished by any known process such as, for example, grinding off the damaged squealer portion 30 and tip cap 32 to form a repair surface 46 comprising an outer edge of the outer wall 18. The location of the repair surface 46 may then be over-age heat treated to prepare it for a subsequent welding operation.

Following preparation of the repair surface 46, a replacement tip cap 48 is positioned over the internal cavity 34, as shown in FIG. 2C. In accordance with the present aspects of the invention, the replacement cap 48 has a radially outer side 50 comprising a planar outer surface 74, and an opposing radially inner side 52 comprising a planar inner surface 76 that is oriented generally parallel to the outer surface 74, wherein the radially inner surface 76 is located generally coplanar with the repair surface 46.

The replacement tip cap 48 defines a tip cap perimeter comprising an inner side perimeter 92 (FIG. 7) that is configured to generally correspond to an inner perimeter 35 of the internal cavity 34. In particular, the perimeter 92 of the

replacement tip cap 48 may have an airfoil shape configured to generally match the airfoil shaped opening defined by the internal cavity 34, wherein a width 93 of the inner side 52 of the tip cap 48, i.e., a dimension perpendicular to a chordal line 97, at any given location is equal to or greater than a width 44 (FIG. 1 ) of the internal cavity 34 at a corresponding chordal location along the internal cavity 34. Any overlap of the tip cap perimeter 92 over the repair surface 46 may extend less than 40% of the width of the outer wall 18. However, as is described further below, an aspect of the present invention provides a weld bead filler that is configured to reduce stress risers, and may permit a greater than 40% overlap without creating unacceptable stresses at the junction between the tip cap 48 and the repair surface 46. For example, it is believed that the present weld procedure provides a stress reduction of about 45% at the junction, permitting a reduced amount of build-up weld material for the peripheral portion 56 to be used while providing sufficient structural integrity.

Further, the radially outer side 50 of the tip cap 48 defines a width 95 (FIG. 7) at any given location that is less than the inner side width 93 and less than the internal cavity width 44, such that the radially outer side 50 does not overlap the outer wall 18. That is, a radially extending line passing through a location on the radially outer side 50 of the tip cap 48 would not intersect the repair surface 46 of the outer wall 18. Hence, a pressure side surface 78 of the tip cap 48 extending between the outer and inner sides 50, 52 and a suction side surface 80 of the tip cap 48 extending between the outer and inner sides 50, 52 comprise non-parallel sides of the tip cap 48 (FIG. 2C), tapering or angled inwardly toward each other extending in a radially outward direction.

The limited overlap of the tip cap 48 over the outer wall 18, as well as the tapered or reduced material thickness above the inner side perimeter 92, provides a limited stress inducing influence from the tip cap 48 to the outer wall 18. In particular, the limited overlap between the inner side 52 and the repair surface 46 with an associated limited or reduced stress contact area between these two components, as well as the tapered edge at the pressure and suction side surfaces 78, 80, providing a wider welding joint area in the perimeter contacting area of the tip cap 48, avoids or limits a stress riser that may normally be associated with the joint between the tip cap 48 and the outer wall 18, as is described further below.

The replacement tip cap 48 is preferably comprised of a material that is compatible with the material of the outer wall 18, and in the present example may comprise IN-738. Also, as is described further below, a filler material and build-up weld material may be provided for attachment of the tip cap 48 to the repair surface 46 of the outer wall 18 in a manner that minimizes or reduces stresses that may cause cracking in the region of a weld joint 54 formed between these components.

As is illustrated in FIG. 2D, the weld joint 54 at the connection between the tip cap 48 and repair surface 46 of the outer wall 18 extends around the periphery 92, and is preferably formed by a relatively ductile filler material having a low modulus of elasticity. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the weld joint 54 may be of a generally semi-circular configuration, as seen in cross-section in Fig. 2D. That is, an outer surface of the weld bead or weld joint 54 at the notch between the tip cap 48 and the repair surface 46 is formed with a specific configuration defining an outward curve, i.e., a semi-circular shape. The semi-circular cross-section of the weld joint 54, i.e., of the weld bead, allows a greater overlap of the tip cap 48 over the repair surface 46 by reducing stress risers at the notch between the tip cap 48 and repair surface 46. For example, as is further described with regard to particular materials below, the semi-circular configuration of the weld joint 54 and associated reduction of stress risers may permit a greater overlap of the tip cap 48, with a corresponding reduction of structural build-up weld material required to form the peripheral portion 56. In the present exemplary embodiment, the filler material is preferably a low modulus material comprising IN-625 or Hastalloy W, and the weld joint may be formed in an ambient welding operation. Materials such as these are preferable because they possess a very low modulus and reduce the stress and the possibility of any resultant cracking occurring at the weld location during normal operation of the engine. In particular, low modulus weld filler materials generally require a lower heat input to form the weld joint 54, with a resulting reduced heating of the underlying material, i.e., the repair surface 46 of the outer wall 18 and the tip cap 48. This reduction in heating of the underlying material reduces the propensity for the outer wall 18 and tip cap 48 to crack in the region of the weld joint 54 during the welding and repair process.

Further, the tip cap configuration described above, having a reduced material thickness above or proceeding outwardly from the inner side perimeter 92, provides improved weld penetration in the region of the weld joint 54. The improved weld penetration facilitates the formation of a secure weld having an increased resistance to cracking or separation at the weld joint 54. Since the formation of a separation or notch at the interface between the inner side 52 and the repair surface can create increased stress locations in the joint, reducing the likelihood of these notches can improve the durability of the weld joint 54 to prevent the tip cap 48 from becoming liberated from the outer wall 18 during operation of the blade 10 in an engine.

As is illustrated in FIG. 2E, a structural build-up weld is formed around the side surfaces 78, 80 on the repair surface 46 to define a cap peripheral portion 56 extending around the tip cap 48. The cap peripheral portion 56 is preferably formed of a structural weld material matching that of the outer wall 18, as well as matching the material of the tip cap 48 and, in the present exemplary embodiment, comprises IN-738. The build-up weld material preferably includes material characteristics comprising a ductility that reduces the cracking propensity of the peripheral portion 56 while still providing the necessary strength to provide the structural function of the peripheral portion 56. Additionally, the build-up weld material preferably has a mean co-efficient of thermal expansion that is within a range similar to that of materials such as IN-625 and CM-247. For example, the mean co-efficient of thermal expansion for the filler material may be within a range between about 13.42 x

10 ^("6) m/m-°C (CM-247) and 15.1 x 10 ^("6) m/m-°C (IN-625).

The amount of overlap between the tip cap 48 and the repair surface may vary depending upon the particular strength of the material used as the build-up weld material, which is selected with reference to the material of the outer wall 18. For example, if the build-up weld material is IN-738, a reduced amount of overlap may be provided, i.e., less than 45%, to permit a sufficient amount of structural build-up weld material to be applied. Alternatively, if a higher strength build-up weld material is applied, such as CM-247, a lesser amount of the build-up weld material will be required and the overlap between the tip cap 48 and repair surface 46 may be higher, such as a 50% overlap.

The build-up weld may be applied to the repair surface 46 and the angled side surfaces 78, 80 to a height extending slightly beyond the outer surface 74 of the tip cap 48, followed by a grinding operation to form the cap peripheral portion 56 coplanar with the outer surface 74 of the tip cap 48, thereby defining a generally planar outer cap surface 58 extending across the build-up weld material and the tip cap 48, as shown in FIG 2E.

A replacement squealer portion 62 is then formed on the outer cap surface 58 of the cap peripheral portion 56 by structural build-up welding, as is illustrated in FIG. 2F. In the present embodiment, the replacement squealer portion 62 comprises a different material than that of the tip cap 48 and cap peripheral portion 56. For example, the material of the squealer portion 62 may be relatively more ductile, such as IN-625. Following the build-up welding for the squealer portion 62, a grinding and/or EDM machining operation may be performed to form a radially outer surface 64 and to establish the final contour for the squealer portion 62, and resulting in the final configuration for the replacement blade tip 66. Finally, as may be seen in FIG. 2G, a thermal barrier coating (TBC) 68 may be applied to an outer surface 70 of the replacement blade tip 66, and film cooling holes 72 and convection cooling holes 73 may be drilled in order to provide a flow of cooling air to the exterior of the replacement blade tip 66.

FIG. 3 illustrates a tip cap 48D , which is a variation of the tip cap 50 wherein elements corresponding to those described for the blade tip 66 of FIG. 2G are labeled with the same reference numerals primed, and in which the repair method and materials are substantially the same as described for the blade tip 66. The tip cap 48D includes a perimeter 92D defining an inner side width 93D that is greater than the internal cavity width 44D and overlaps the repair surface 46D of the outer wall 18D by less than 40%. In particular, the tip cap 48D illustrates providing an inner side 52D for the tip cap 48D that overlaps the repair surface 46D by about 15%. All aspects of the blade tip 66D formed by the tip cap 48D, including the materials, are substantially the same as described above for the blade tip 66 formed by the cap 48.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative aspect of the invention comprising a tip cap 148, and in which elements corresponding to those described for the blade tip 66 of FIG. 2G are labeled with the same reference numerals increased by 100, and in which the repair method and materials are substantially the same as described for the blade tip 66. The tip cap 148 is configured such that it has a stepped or top hat cross-section. In particular, the pressure side surface 178 and suction side surface 180 are formed with a plurality of side surfaces to define a stepped transition between the radially outer side 150 and the radially inner side 152. The pressure side surface 178 includes first and second radially extending pressure side surfaces 178a, 178b connected by a radially outwardly facing surface 178c, and the suction side surface 180 includes first and second radially extending suction side surfaces 180a, 180b connected by a radially outwardly facing surface 180c. The pressure side surfaces 178a, 178b and suction side surfaces 180a, 180b are generally perpendicular to the repair surface 146, and are generally parallel to each other.

The first pressure and suction side surfaces 178a, 180a define a radially outer perimeter portion 183 and the second pressure and suction side surfaces 178b, 180b define a radially inner perimeter portion 185. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the radially inner perimeter portion 185 is in overlapping relation to the repair surface 146 of the outer wall 118, and the radially outer perimeter portion 183 is in non- overlapping relation to the repair surface 146. As described with reference to forming the blade tip 66, the overlapping or non-overlapping relationship of the tip cap 148 relative to the repair surface is determined with reference to a radially extending line passing through a location on the tip cap 148 and radially inwardly toward the repair surface or the internal cavity 134.

The tip cap 148 is attached to the repair surface 146 by a ductile filler material forming a weld joint 154 around the radially inner perimeter 185. The ductile filler material may comprise IN-625 or Hastalloy W, as described above with regard the method of forming the blade tip 66. The filler material of the weld joint 154 generally extends along the second pressure and suction side surfaces 178b, 180b a radial extent that is about equal to, or no greater than, about the radial extent of the inner perimeter portion 185 defined by the second pressure and suction sides 178b, 180b. The inner perimeter portion 185 provides an area of reduced material that facilitates weld penetration for formation of the weld joint 154. Further, the first pressure and suction side surfaces 178a, 180a and respective outwardly facing surfaces 178c, 180c define a recessed area of the tip cap 148 for receiving the build-up weld material of the cap peripheral portion 156 to facilitate retention of the tip cap 148 to the outer wall 1 18. As described above with regard to the blade tip 66, the cap peripheral portion 156 may be formed of IN-738, and a squealer portion 162 may be formed of a more ductile material, such as IN-625.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative aspect of the invention comprising a tip cap 248, and in which elements corresponding to those described for the blade tip 66 of FIG. 2G are labeled with the same reference numerals increased by 200, and in which the repair method and materials are substantially the same as described for the blade tip 66. The tip cap 248 of Fig. 5 is substantially similar to the tip cap 148 of Fig. 4, with the exception that the tip cap 248 includes second pressure and suction sides 278b, 280b that are non-parallel. In particular, the second pressure and suction sides 278b, 280b taper or angle inwardly toward each other extending in a radially outward direction, additionally reducing the material in the area of the radially inner perimeter portion 285. Further, a radially inner side perimeter 292 may be configured to generally correspond to an inner perimeter 235 of the internal cavity 234 in a manner similar to that described above for the inner perimeter 92 of the blade tip 66. However, it should be understood that at least a portion of the inner side perimeter 292 may overlap the repair surface 246.

As in the configuration described with reference to Fig. 4, the filler material forming the weld joint 254 comprises a ductile material, and preferably extends a radial distance about equal to, or no greater than, about the radial extent of the inner perimeter portion 285 defined by the second pressure and suction sides 278b, 280b. The reduced material thickness provided at the radially inner perimeter portion 285 provides improved weld penetration in the region of the weld joint 254. As described above, the improved weld penetration facilitates the formation of a secure weld having increased resistance to cracking or separation at the weld joint 254.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, an alternative aspect of the invention is illustrated comprising a tip cap 348, and in which elements corresponding to those described for the blade tip 66 of FIG. 2G are labeled with the same reference numerals increased by 300, and in which the repair method and materials are substantially the same as described with reference to FIGS. 2B-2G for providing the blade tip 66 to the turbine blade 10.

The tip cap 348 comprises a pressure side surface 378 and a suction side surface 380 defining a periphery 382 of the tip cap 348. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the periphery 382 includes protruding portions 384 extending outwardly from the pressure and suction side surfaces 378, 380 in a direction generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the outer wall 318 of the turbine blade. Further, the protruding portions 384 have a length dimension that extends in the radial direction from the radially outer side 350 to the radial inner side 352 of the tip cap 348. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the protruding portions 384 define a generally semi-circular cross-sectional shape, and may comprise rib-like features extending from the pressure and suction side surfaces 378, 380. However, other cross- sectional configurations for the protruding portions 384 may be provided.

Referring to FIG. 8, the tip cap 348 is shown in position over the internal cavity 334, and alternating sections of the periphery 382 are in overlapping and non- overlapping relation on the repair surface 346. Specifically, the protruding portions 384 and the pressure and suction side surfaces 378, 380 form an undulating or serrated surface, and define respective pressure side overlapping and non- overlapping sections 378a, 378b and respective suction side overlapping and non- overlapping sections 380a, 380b. For example, an inner side dimension 395 (FIG. 6) measured between two protruding portions 384 on opposing sides of the tip cap 348 may typically be greater than the width 344 of the internal perimeter 335 of the internal cavity 334, and an inner side dimension 393 between the pressure and suction side surfaces 378, 380 may typically be equal to or less than the width 344 of the internal cavity 334 at a corresponding location on the outer wall 318.

The undulating periphery 382 of the tip cap 348 provides a configuration that permits the tip cap 348 to be formed with a greater tolerance relative to the internal perimeter 335 of the internal cavity 334 wherein non-overlapping sections 378a, 378b of the tip cap 348 may not overlap the repair surface 346 while providing sufficient engagement locations with the repair surface 346 around the periphery 382 of the tip cap 348. Hence, minimized or reduced contact area between the tip cap 348 and repair surface 346, with an associated reduction in stress points, may be provided. Further, the undulating surface of the periphery 382 may provide additional surface area for engagement with the filler material forming the weld joint 354 to provide an improved retention of the tip cap 348. In addition, it may be understood that the entire periphery 382 may be formed to overlap the repair surface 346.

Referring to FIG. 9, a tip cap 448 is illustrated comprising a variation of the tip cap 348 described with reference to Figs. 6 and 8. The tip cap 448 comprises a pressure side surface 478 and a suction side surface 480 defining a periphery 482 of the tip cap 448. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the periphery 482 includes alternating overlapping and non-overlapping sections to form an undulating or serrated surface. In particular, the periphery 482 includes respective pressure side overlapping and non-overlapping sections 478a, 478b and respective suction side overlapping and non-overlapping sections 480a, 480b, wherein the overlapping sections 478a, 480a define protruding portions of the periphery 482.

In accordance with aspects illustrated in FIG. 9, the alternating overlapping and non-overlapping sections 478a, 480a and 478b, 480b may be defined by generally semi-circular grooves 488 extending into the pressure and suction side surfaces 478, 480. The grooves 488 have a length dimension that extends in the radial direction from the radially outer side to the radial inner side of the tip cap 448. Hence, the pressure and suction side surfaces 478, 480 define protruding portions of the periphery 484, extending outwardly in a direction generally perpendicular to the radial direction of the outer wall 418 of the turbine blade. It should be understood that, although the grooves 488 are illustrated with a semi-circular shape, other cross- sectional configurations for the grooves 488 may be provided.

The tip cap 448 may extend past the internal perimeter 435 of the internal blade cavity to overlap the repair surface 446 in a manner similar to that described above for the tip cap 348 with reference to FIG. 6. As described above for the tip cap 348, the undulating periphery 482 of the tip cap 448 provides a configuration that permits the tip cap 448 to be formed with a greater tolerance relative to the internal perimeter 435 of the internal blade cavity wherein non-overlapping portions of the tip cap 448 may not overlap the repair surface 446 while providing sufficient

engagement locations with the repair surface 446 at the overlapping sections 478a, 480a around the periphery 482 of the tip cap 448. Also, the undulating surface of the periphery 382 may provide additional surface area for engagement with the filler material forming the weld joint to provide an improved retention of the tip cap 448.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.