Development of Metal-to-SiCf/Al2O3 Composite Brazing Methods for Turbine Engine Components

Lanxide Corporation proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing the active brazing method to join a Nicalon TM fiber reinforced alumina matrix composite to structural alloys for applications i advanced turbine engines. The high temperature capability of the ceramic matrix composite allows uncooled operation of several turbine engine components resulting in significant gains in specific fuel consumption. This improvement will make turbine engines more performance competitive relative to piston and rotary engines. Lanxide, using composite manufacturer DuPont Lanxide Composites and turbine engine manufacturer Textron Lycoming as subcontractors, will use creative and innovative approaches to extend current active brazing technology to specifically defined turbine engine requirements. The technical approach will include microstructural characterization of several candidate brazing systems, and fabrication of tube-to-tube joints. In a Phase II preparatory effort, CMC-to-alloy joint samples representing component subelements will be fabricated and unergo more rigorous testing at Textron Lycoming's facilities to evaluate technical progress.