Manufacturing of Advanced Composites for Selected Propulsion Components

Advanced ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are required for various components in the propulsion system along the hot gas path, where pressures up to 3000 psi and flame temperatures from 4000 degrees F to 5000 degrees F are encountered. In order to achieve the lightest possible and optimal component design meeting both structural and high temperature operational requirements, both fiber preform and matrix material selections are critical. The objective of the proposed effort is to develop reproducible and low-cost structural grade high temperature carbon fiber reinforced CMC matrix composites using advanced fiber preforms for both high-performance structural component and structural insulator used in many MDA applications. In the proposed effort, a family of advanced CMC composites will be developed by using advanced fiber preforms and by using proven but lower cost processing methods to achieve different sets of targeted properties for pre-selected applications. The developed CMC composites will be screened and then further tested for properties. At the end, prototype components in the hot path will be designed using measured material properties, will be fabricated, and then will be performance tested.