Composition and method for use with ceramic matrix composite T-sections
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsMichael Lee Millard, Robert G. Weber
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composition is for use with fabricating a ceramic composite stiffening member that defines a T-section. The stiffening member includes a web portion, at least one flange portion, a radius region disposed between the web portion and the at least one flange portion, and a skin member that is secured to the at least one flange portion and the radius region. The composition is a pliable mixture of refractory particles, plasticizers, silica-yielding polymers, and solvents that is applied along the radius region.
Claims8
A method for fabricating an improved ceramic composite stiffener including a web portion, at least one flange portion, a radius region disposed between the web portion and the at least one flange portion, a skin member that is secured to the at least one flange portion and the radius region, the steps comprising:
- preparing a pliable, shaped, freestanding composition consisting essentially of ceramic particles, plasticizers, and silica-yielding liquids, and sufficient solvent for mixing of the components to form the pliable, shaped composition;
- assembling the at least one flange portion to define a groove having a radius region;
- applying the pliable, shaped composition along the radius region;
- assembling the skin member to the at least one flange portion to form the stiffener;
- drying the pliable, shaped, freestanding composition;
- autoclaving the stiffener;
- and
- sintering the stiffener;
- wherein the ceramic particles comprise ceramic particles having a particle size range from −20 mesh to +50 mesh.
A method for fabricating an improved ceramic composite stiffener including a web portion, at least one flange portion, a radius region disposed between the web portion and the at least one flange portion, a skin member that is secured to the at least one flange portion and the radius region, the steps comprising:
- preparing a pliable, substantially cohesive, shaped, freestanding composition consisting essentially of ceramic particles, plasticizers, and silica-yielding liquids, and about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. % solvent to permit mixing of the components and forming the pliable, substantially cohesive, shaped, freestanding composition;
- applying the pliable, substantially cohesive, shaped, freestanding composition along the radius region adjacent the skin member prior to assembling the skin member;
- drying the pliable, substantially cohesive, shaped, freestanding composition;
- debulking the stiffener;
- autoclaving the stiffener;
- and
- sintering the stiffener;
- wherein the ceramic particles comprise ceramic particles having a particle size range from −20 mesh to +50 mesh.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.