Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.

Jeffrey B Stout

Mark Andrew Fitzsimmons

Chad M Schepel

A method for use in manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite article includes assembling a ceramic fiber sheet between a tool and a die, where the tool is conformable to the shape of the die and the melting point of the die is greater than the melting point of the tool. The assembly is then heated to soften the tool. At least one of the tool, the die or a separate inflatable member is then pressurized to conform the tool and the ceramic fiber sheet to the die. Next, the assembly is cooled and the pressure is vented before removal of the tool and ceramic fiber sheet from the die. A preceramic resin with a catalyst is then applied to the ceramic fiber sheet and cured at a curing temperature that is below the melting point of the tool, to form a preform. The tool is then removed from the preform.

Growing community of inventors

Canoga Park, CA, United States of America

Jeffrey B Stout