Multi-stage turbine using steel and aluminum blades

Abstract

A multistage turbine having one or more input stage fan blades formed of aluminum and having one or more output stage fan blades formed of steel. One or more intermediate stages may be formed of aluminum or steel or a combination thereof.

1 . A multistage turbine having at least one inlet stage fan blade formed of aluminum, and an intermediate stage fan blade formed of one of the materials of aluminum and steel, and an outlet stage fan blade formed of steel. 
   
   
       2 . The multistage turbine of  claim 1  wherein the intermediate stage fan blade is formed of both aluminum and steel. 
   
   
       3 . The multistage turbine of  claim 1  wherein at least the one inlet stage fan blade is formed of non-aircraft grade aluminum. 
   
   
       4 . The multistage turbine of  claim 1  wherein the at least one inlet fan blade is formed entirely of aluminum. 
   
   
       5 . The multistage turbine of  claim 1  wherein the aluminum is non-aircraft grade aluminum. 
   
   
       6 . A five stage turbine having a first stage fan blade and a second stage fan blade each formed of aluminum, and a third stage fan blade formed of at least one of steel and aluminum, and a fourth stage fan blade and fifth stage fan blade formed of steel. 
   
   
       7 . The turbine of  claim 6  wherein the third stage fan blade is formed of both aluminum and steel. 
   
   
       8 . The turbine of  claim 6  wherein at least the first and second stage fan blades are formed entirely of aluminum. 
   
   
       9 . The turbine of  claim 6  wherein the aluminum is non-aircraft grade aluminum. 
   
   
       10 . The turbine of  claim 6  wherein at least the first and second stage fan blades and the third stage fan blade are each formed of non-aircraft grade aluminum. 
   
   
       11 . The turbine of  claim 6  wherein each fan blade formed of aluminum is formed of non-aircraft grade aluminum. 
   
   
       12 . A High Volume Low Pressure turbine assembly having five stages delivering air to a paint spray gun atomizing paint, the turbine assembly comprising:
 a) a plurality of inlet stage fan blades formed of non-aircraft grade aluminum; and   b) at least one outlet stage fan blade formed of steel.   
   
   
       13 . The turbine assembly of  claim 12  further comprising at least one intermediate stage fan blade formed of one of non-aircraft grade aluminum and steel. 
   
   
       14 . The turbine assembly of  claim 12  further comprising at least one intermediate stage fan blade formed of both non-aircraft grade aluminum and steel.