Manufacturing Maturation for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)

Fabrication of CMCs for propulsion components and structures is costly, complex, and requires long production processing times. The goal of this inquiry is to ascertain ways to increase yield, rate, and capability while reducing cost. The manufacturing challenges corresponding to turbine engines and air vehicle structures have potential overlap but may also differ greatly. Respondents should convey their capabilities for the manufacture of CMCs with applications in mind for these material systems; Al2O3-Al2O3 (Oxide-Oxide), SiC/SiC, C/SiC, and any close variants of these containing SiOC or SiNC in each category below. Ceramic fiber and matrix raw materials production Ceramic fiber coating Matrix densification Environmental Barrier Coatings for CMCs Fabrication of complex shapes, particularly in near-net-shape Machining of CMCs (including surface finishing processes) Assembly of CMC systems from smaller CMC parts Methods to join CMCs to metallic components via mechanical fastening or bonding In-process monitoring and inspection Non-destructive evaluation Additionally, the Air Force requests information on specific concepts intended to: increase yield, quality, reproducibility, or process robustness; employ process modeling and simulation; develop other innovative manufacturing concepts not listed above towards CMC production and cost reduction. Respondents should include perceived risks, manufacturing maturation priorities, and any manufacturing readiness (MRL) information. For additional information on the terminology of Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRLs), please visit these web sites and their associated links: TRL http://esto.nasa.gov/files/TRL_definitions.pdf https://acc.dau.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=23170&lang=en-US MRL http://www.dodmrl.com/ https://www.mrlassist.bmpcoe.org/mrlassist/#https://acc.dau.mil/CommunityBrowser.aspx?id=18231