Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) technology offers many benefits for liquid fueled rocket engines. Improved life and performance, reduced weight, and the potential for lower operating costs are attractive options for rocket engine builders. Advanced CMCs provide potential to leapfrog conventional technology. Analyses show that components made from fiber reinforced CMCs (FRCMCs) offer opportunity for revolutionary gains in turbomachinery performance. A NASA sponsored turbopump development program, conducted at Rocketdyne with parallel material characterization at NASA Lewis, provided confirmation of the potential to use FRCMCs for complex turbomachinery components. The selected FRCMC, C/SiC, is a two-dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide prepared by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). An acceptable database is in hand and fabrication and testing of turbine blades and vanes is complete. Stator subelement tests are also complete. Exposure to a simulated turbopump environment did not excessively degrade the properties. When loaded to failure, the fracture was 'graceful' and noncatastrophic. Future full-scale component tests will provide the final demonstration of material capability.
Composites in high speed turbines for rocket engines
Verbundwerkstoffe in Hochgeschwindigkeitsturbinen für Raketenantriebe
1995
8 Seiten, 10 Bilder, 8 Quellen
Conference paper
English
Composites in High Speed Turbines for Rocket Engines
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