Abstract: A method of making a smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite includes the steps of providing a fiber preform, the preform having a surface containing voids; placing fibers into the voids; coating the preform fibers and the void fibers with a coating material to create a weak interface; and infiltrating the coated fibers with a matrix material to infill the voids and preform, and form strongly bonded networks within the voids. Alternatively, the resulting smooth surfaced, fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite may include, in addition to the first coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers and the matrix material within the coated fibers and the preform to infill the voids and preform, a second coating material on the preform fibers and the void fibers, creating a second coating of substantially uniform thickness on the fibers and forming strongly bonded networks within the voids.

Abstract: An exemplary morphable ceramic composite structure includes a flexible ceramic composite skin and a truss structure attached to the skin. The truss structure can morph shape of the skin from a first shape to a second shape that is different than the first shape. The flexible ceramic composite skin may include a single-layer of three-dimensional woven fabric fibers and a ceramic matrix composite. The truss structure may include at least one actuatable element or an actuator may move a portion of the truss structure from a first position to a second position. A cooling component may be disposed in thermal communication with the skin. The cooling component may include thermal insulation or a cooling system that circulates cooling fluid in thermal communication with the skin. The morphable ceramic composite structure may be incorporated into any of an air inlet, combustor, exhaust nozzle, or control surfaces of a hypersonic aircraft.