A Process to In-Situ Form Cooling Channels in SiC/SiC Composite Turbine Blades and Nozzles

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) such as silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) extends the temperature capabilities of turboshaft engines thru higher temperature capabilities and reduced weight which provides improved horsepower-to-weight ratios. However, even uncooled ceramics can extend the capabilities of the engine to a certain plateau. If effective cooling channels could be incorporated into CMC (SiC/SiC) blades and nozzles even further increases in temperature capabilities at reduced weight and subsequent improved horsepower-to-weight ratios are achievable. A unique in-situ fabrication processing approach can produce cooling channels in controlled architectures within a SiC/SiC composite cross section. The processing will be developed and validated with establishing the mechanical properties and cooling effectiveness of SiC/SiC specimens containing multiple cooling channels which will be coordinated with engine OEMs.