Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a process of forming slender channels having a complex pattern and a small radius of curvature in the thin walls of ceramic matrix composite parts. SOLUTION: The ceramic matrix composite parts with slender cooling channels in the walls are made by inserting decomposable inserts into woven ceramic fiber preforms. Each of the inserts is a tow of continuous carbon fibers enclosed with a carbonaceous filler and the inserts are inserted in positions in which channels are required. The preforms with the inserts in the prescribed positions are disposed in molding tools. A ceramic matrix material is added and the fiber preforms are united with the ceramic matrix material. The united parts are then heated to thermally decompose the inserts and to form slender channels in the parts. The inserts are flexible and can be woven in the preforms using an automatic loom or have limited flexibility and can be inserted by machine or by hand.
Abstract:
One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure relates to a transfer molding assembly. The assembly includes a die having a molding cavity interconnected with a reservoir. The assembly further includes a heater operable to heat the die, and a load plate configured to move under its own weight to transfer material from the reservoir into the molding cavity.
Abstract:
A vehicle has a body and a source of a propellant. An engine is carried by t he body. The engine reacts the propellant to produce thrust. The engine has a heat exchanger transferring heat from the reaction to at least a component of the propellan t and generating electricity thermoelectrically.
Abstract:
A ceramic matrix composite part having elongated cooling channels within the wall thereof is manufactured by inserting decomposable inserts within a woven ceramic fiber preform. The inserts are tows of continuous carbon fibers surrounded by a carbonaceous filler, and are inserted where the channels are desired. The preform, with the inserts in place, is disposed within a mold. A ceramic matrix material is added and the fiber preform is consolidated with the ceramic matrix material. The consolidated part is then heated to thermally decompose the inserts to create the elongated channels within the part. The inserts may be flexible and woven into the preform using an automated weaving loom, or they may have limited flexibility and be inserted by machine or by hand.
Abstract:
One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure relates to a transfer molding assembly including a chamber, a die within the chamber, a first gas control device configured to provide a first gas into the chamber, and a second gas control device configured to provide a second gas into the die.
Abstract:
One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure relates to a transfer molding assembly. The assembly includes a die having a molding cavity interconnected with a reservoir. The assembly further includes a heater operable to heat the die, and a load plate configured to move under its own weight to transfer material from the reservoir into the molding cavity.
Abstract:
An electrical power generation system consists of a ceramic hot face liner of a gas path enclosure thermally and mechanically connected to thermoelectric elements mounted on a conformal thermally conducting layer on the liner. Cooling channels connected to the backside of the thermoelectric elements provide a thermal gradient across the elements and resulting electrical power output. Clamps to maintain thermal and physical contact of all elements in the system are provided to maximize power generation.