Field Induced Tow Manipulation
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsTheodore Robert Grossman, James Scott Vartuli, Steven Robert Hayashi
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Abstract
Systems and methods for forming ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components are provided. The CMC component includes a reinforcement material having a plurality of filaments that are at least partially electrically conductive. The plurality of filaments are charged by a charging element with an electric charge of the same sign such that adjacent filaments are in an expanded spatial relationship relative to one another while being coated. While in the expanded spatial relationship, the filaments can also be pulled through a matrix slurry.
Claims20
A method for forming a CMC component that includes a plurality of filaments that are at least partially electrically conductive, the method comprising:
- charging the plurality of filaments with an electrical charge such that adjacent filaments are in an expanded spatial relationship relative to one another;
- and
- coating the plurality of filaments while the plurality of filaments are in the expanded spatial relationship.
A system defining a flowpath for forming a CMC component including a plurality of filaments, the system comprising:
- a coating chamber positioned along the flowpath and having a coating apparatus for coating the plurality of filaments;
- a charging element positioned along the flowpath and preceding the coating apparatus, the charging element configured to charge the plurality of filaments with an electrical charge such that adjacent filaments are in an expanded spatial relationship relative to one another.
A method for forming a CMC component that includes a plurality of filaments that are at least partially electrically conductive, the method comprising:
- charging the plurality of filaments with an electrical charge such that adjacent filaments are in an expanded spatial relationship relative to one another;
- and
- pulling the plurality of filaments through a matrix slurry while the plurality of filaments are in the expanded spatial relationship.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.