Rtx Corporation

Evan B Callaway

Olivier H Sudre

Brendan M Lenz

Douglas F Long

Zachary Paul Konopaske

A method for determining coating thicknesses of a coated fiber embedded in a matrix is presented. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image is captured of a composite material having multiple coated fibers embedded in a matrix. This image depicts a cross-sectional portion of the composite material. A processor identifies a region of the image depicting a cross-section of one among the plurality of coated fibers, and generates a line graph of a gradient of grayscale values as a function of a line scan. The line scan traverses across the image along a radius of the coated fiber, and extends between an interior location of the coated fiber and an exterior region outside the coated fiber. The processor identifies inflection points in the line graph of the gradient of grayscale values as a function of the line scan traverse location, and determines coating thickness based on these inflection points.

Image analysis method for multi-phase system with overlapping grayscale intensities

A fixture for processing a ceramic matrix composite article includes first and second tool segments that each have an exterior side and an interior side. The interior side has a border mate face, and the interior side of the first tool segment faces the interior side of the second tool segment such that the border mate faces align and circumscribe a working region for holding a fiber preform that is to be coated with a ceramic material. The tool segments each having an array of through-holes that open to the working region to permit inflow of gaseous precursor into the working region. A seal circumscribes the working region and blocks a gap between the border mate faces to limit inflow of the gaseous precursor through the gap into the working region.

Edge-sealed fixture for processing CMC

A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) comprises applying a boron nitride (BN) aerogel to a fibrous material to form a pretreated fibrous material, depositing, using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), a BN interface coating (IFC) on the pretreated fibrous material, and depositing a matrix on the BN IFC and the pretreated fibrous material.

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Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Evan B Callaway