Rtx Corporation

Jonathan L Chin

James T Roach

Rutva A Patel

Addison Williams

Brian Cronin

Jenkins V Cruz

Daniel Ip

A method includes the steps of placing a mandrel into a braiding machine the mandrel having a radially outer tang and a radially inner tang for holding the mandrel relative to the braiding machine. The radially outer tang having a width between the leading edge and the trailing edge smaller than a distance between the leading edge and trailing edge of the mandrel such that there is a ledge leading into the outer tang. The mandrel body has a width in a direction between the leading edge and the trailing edge that transitions into the inner tang beyond a location that will serve as a base for the braided material. Ceramic matrix composite ('CMCs') yarn is braided about a portion of the mandrel which serves as the base for the braided yarn to form a shear tube. A mandrel is also disclosed.

Extended inner profile for mandrel for use in forming braided CMC structures

A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) vane including an inner diameter platform, an outer diameter platform, and an airfoil extending between the inner diameter platform and the outer diameter platform includes laying up a ceramic preform by arranging at least one core formed from a first ceramic material, and laying up, over the at least one ceramic core, a plurality of contoured plies, each of the plurality of contoured plies formed from a second ceramic material. Each of the plurality of contoured plies partially forms the inner diameter platform, the outer diameter platform, and the airfoil of the vane. The method further includes densifying the ceramic preform with a matrix.

Method to tie composite vane platform and airfoil design details

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Cary, NC, United States of America

Jonathan L Chin