Complex-Shaped SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites via Novel, Non-Woven Preforming

The use of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) has the potential to increase the life and operating envelope of turbine engines. While great strides have been made in mechanical properties, CMCs still suffer from limitations in terms of shape capability, especially with complex-shaped parts such as turbine blades. Using high-strength fibers that have been woven into a fabric causes problems due to the nature of the fabric. The issues of greatest concern with regard to the preform are joining structures perpendicularly to other structures, poor interlaminar shear strength, and creating features with small characteristic dimensions such as wall thickness and radius of curvature. In this project, Ultramet will demonstrate the fabrication of complex-shaped silicon carbide-reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/SiC) CMCs using a novel, non-woven preforming technique. This technique, which will overcome all of the hurdles noted above, will yield near-net shape CMCs with isotropic properties. Mechanical testing of CMCs made from this process will be performed.