Assessment of preform manufacturing processes with ceramic fibers

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Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) are produced with a ceramic fibers reinforcement surrounded by a ceramic matrix. This combination produces a lightweight material that can withstand prolonged exposure to temperature up to 1100°C and therefore surpass the performances of superalloys. With this increase in temperature resistance, turbines in power plants and aircraft engines could operate at higher temperature which would improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Although, ceramic fibers usage in composite materials is not very widespread and therefore few information is available on the ease of preform manufacturing of this type of material. This project aims to assess the manufacturability of ceramic fibers yarns on conventional manufacturing equipment to produce preforms for CMC parts. This work should identify the different challenges of processing ceramic fibers in the production of 2D, 2.5D and 3D preforms on different production equipment. Near net-shape preform manufacturing technics will be investigated in order to minimize fiber loss and post-fabrication manipulations. This information will be use to guide the design and the manufacturing of new parts with improved weight and operating temperature.