Formable Preform for Advanced Ceramic Matrix Composite Structures

Pepin Associates, Inc. has developed a unique, aligned discontinuous textile reinforcement for composite structures.  This reinforcement architecture is composed of short, overlapped tow segments.  The architecture allows the textile to stretch in its reinforcement direction.  This ability permits rapid fabrication of complex shaped thermal protection system structures from simple low cost shapes such as flat plates or tubes.  This forming process is very rapid and can be accomplished on large structures.  In this Phase I program the Pepin Associates team will couple this preforming technology with advanced ceramic matrix processing technology and new precursor materials to fabricate an aeroshell of interest to DOD.  The demonstration component fabrication will be further supported by room temperature and high temperature testing of the ceramic matrix (CMC) material.  Cost and performance assessments will be made to verify the benefits of this manufacturing approach as well as identify areas for expanded development in Phase II.