Gradient tow ribbonizing for chemical vapor infiltration ceramic matrix composites
AssigneeRtx Corporation
InventorsKathryn S. Read, Brendan M. Lenz
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of preparing a ceramic fabric and ceramic matrix composite components constructed from the ceramic fabric include transforming ceramic tows, or ceramic fabrics, to varying degrees from a first tow geometry to a second tow geometry, thereby reducing a first dimension of the ceramic tows and increasing a second dimension of the ceramic tows orthogonal to the first dimension. Plies constructed with flattened tows, or as-received tows, have various inter-tow pore sizes that are arranged with increasing inter-tow pore size towards exterior surfaces of the preform structure.
Claims15
A method of preparing a ceramic fabric for use in a ceramic matrix composite, the method comprising:
- transforming a first ceramic tow from a first tow geometry to a second tow geometry, thereby reducing a first dimension of the first ceramic tow and increasing a second dimension of the first ceramic tow orthogonal to the first dimension to produce a first flattened ceramic tow;
- weaving or braiding the first flattened ceramic tow to form a first ceramic fabric;
- weaving or braiding a second ceramic tow to form a second ceramic fabric;
- separating the first ceramic fabric into multiple plies including at least one first ply;
- separating the second ceramic fabric into multiple plies including at least one second ply;
- and
- laying up the first ply and the second ply to form a preform structure.
A method of preparing a ceramic fabric for use in a ceramic matrix composite, the method comprising:
- weaving or braiding a plurality of first ceramic tows to form a first ceramic fabric having a first planar porosity;
- weaving or braiding a plurality of second ceramic tows to form a second ceramic fabric having a second planar porosity;
- transforming the first ceramic fabric from the first planar porosity to a third planar porosity by applying a first pressure to opposite sides of the first ceramic fabric, wherein the third planar porosity is less than the first planar porosity;
- separating the first ceramic fabric into at least one first ply after transforming the first ceramic fabric;
- separating the second ceramic fabric into at least one second ply;
- and
- laying up the first ply and the second ply to form a preform structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.