Systems and methods for limiting void formation in ceramic matrix composite components

A system for limiting void formation in a melt-infiltrated ceramic matrix composite (MI-CMC) component, the MI-CMC component having a targeted area needing infiltration, the system comprising:

• one or more infiltration sources comprising a material having a nominal melting point at or below a nominal melting point of an alloy within the MI-CMC component;
• and
• a heat source for heating the one or more infiltration sources to a first temperature to transition a solid phase of the material to a molten phase of the material;
• wherein, when the one or more infiltration sources with the material in the solid phase is placed in fluid communication with the targeted area and heated with the heat source, the molten phase infiltrates the MI-CMC component at the targeted area, and
• wherein the MI-CMC component is cooled to a second temperature that is below the first temperature to solidify the molten phase of the material.

A method of limiting void formation in a melt-infiltrated ceramic matrix composite (MI-CMC) component, the method comprising:

• saturating a wick with a material in a molten phase;
• cooling the saturated wick below a melting point of the material to transition the molten phase of the material to a solid phase;
• arranging the saturated wick in fluid communication with a targeted area of the MI-CMC component;
• heating the saturated wick to a first temperature at or above the melting point of the material to return the solid phase of the material to the molten phase;
• infiltrating the targeted area of the MI-CMC component with the molten phase, wherein the molten phase of the material reacts with a solid phase of another material in the targeted area of the MI-CMC component;
• and
• cooling the MI-CMC component to a second temperature that is below the first temperature to solidify the molten phase.