The Boeing Company

Amoret M Chappell

Christopher Paul Henry

Tiffany A Stewart

Knit fabrics having ceramic strands, thermal protective members formed therefrom and to their methods of construction are disclosed. Methods for fabricating thermal protection using multiple materials which may be concurrently knit are also disclosed. This unique capability to knit high temperature ceramic fibers concurrently with a load-relieving process aid, such as an inorganic or organic material (e.g., metal alloy or polymer), both small diameter wires within the knit as well as large diameter wires which provide structural support and allow for the creation of near net-shape preforms at production level speed. Additionally, ceramic insulation can also be integrated concurrently to provide increased thermal protection.

Single-layer ceramic-based knit fabric for high temperature bulb seals

Metal alloy knit fabrics, thermal protective members formed therefrom and their methods of construction are disclosed. This unique capability to knit high temperature metal alloy wire that is drapable allows for the creation of near net-shape preforms at production level speed. Additionally, ceramic insulation can also be integrated concurrently to provide increased thermal protection. The metal alloy knit fabrics described herein overcome the limitations of current welded stainless steel mesh seal coverings by providing coverings that withstand higher operational temperatures than stainless steel, are wear and snag resistant, can be a separate seal layer or as a portion of an integrated seal construction, can accommodate tight curvature changes to achieve complex shapes without wrinkling or buckling, and can be joined in the knitting process, sewed or mechanically fastened, without the need for welding.

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St. Charles, MO, United States of America

Amoret M Chappell