Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material part comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix. The method comprises the following steps: making a fiber fabric by weaving yarns having an initial mean fiber percentage; and densifying the fiber fabric with a matrix. The fiber fabric is subjected, prior to densification, to one or more jets of water under pressure so as to reduce the mean fiber percentage in the fabric to a value lying in the range 20% to 45%.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a composite material part comprises fiber reinforcement densified by a matrix. The method comprises the following steps: making a fiber fabric by weaving yarns having an initial mean fiber percentage; and densifying the fiber fabric with a matrix. The fiber fabric is subjected, prior to densification, to one or more jets of water under pressure so as to reduce the mean fiber percentage in the fabric to a value lying in the range 20% to 45%.

Abstract: A method of controlling power applied to an induction coil assembly used for densifying porous articles with a liquid matrix precursor. The control of applied power addresses dynamic changes in the electrical characteristics of the porous article being densified as it becomes denser. In particular, the power applied is controlled in accordance with changes in resonant frequency of the coupled system of the induction heating system and the porous article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving densification of porous substrate using a film boiling process. In particular, the disclosed method and apparatus permit more complete densification of a substrate (i.e., densification closer to the surface of the substrate) by selectively providing a sort of barrier that reduces cooling of the surface of the substrate being densified caused by contact with the relatively cool boiling liquid precursor of the densifying material, such as carbon. In particular, contact between the substrate and the liquid precursor is reduced using one or both of physical barriers (such as a mesh material) or structures that promote the formation of an insulating gaseous layer between the substrate and the liquid precursor (such as a plate closely spaced apart from the surface of the porous substrate). The barrier is moved into operational position before the applied power level increases sharply (as is known) near the end of the film boiling densification process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving densification of porous substrate using a film boiling process. In particular, the disclosed method and apparatus permit more complete densification of a substrate (i.e., densification closer to the surface of the substrate) by providing a sort of barrier that reduces cooling of the surface of the substrate being densified caused by contact with the relatively cool boiling liquid precursor of the densifying material, such as carbon. In particular, contact between the substrate and the liquid precursor is reduced using one or both of physical barriers (such as a mesh material) or structures that promote the formation of an insulating gaseous layer between the substrate and the liquid precursor (such as a plate closely spaced apart from the surface of the porous substrate).

Abstract: A method of densifying porous substrates, such as brake performs, using a liquid precursor, in which the rate at which “fresh” or “new” liquid precursor is consumed is reduced by maintaining the liquid precursor being used for the densification at a purity level that is less that pure but still chemically suitable for obtaining the desired densification product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving densification of porous substrate using a film boiling process. In particular, the disclosed method and apparatus permit more complete densification of a substrate (i.e., densification closer to the surface of the substrate) by selectively providing a sort of barrier that reduces cooling of the surface of the substrate being densified caused by contact with the relatively cool boiling liquid precursor of the densifying material, such as carbon. In particular, contact between the substrate and the liquid precursor is reduced using one or both of physical barriers (such as a mesh material) or structures that promote the formation of an insulating gaseous layer between the substrate and the liquid precursor (such as a plate closely spaced apart from the surface of the porous substrate). The barrier is moved into operational position before the applied power level increases sharply (as is known) near the end of the film boiling densification process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inductive heating apparatus, particularly using a liquid deposition precursor, for densifying porous articles. The inductive heating apparatus using induction coils that are made from machined or milled flat metal plates, such as copper plate, instead of bending a member (especially a hollow member) into a coil shape. The induction coils according to the present invention can be more precisely and more consistently fabricated than conventional bending techniques.

Abstract: A method of controlling power applied to an induction coil assembly used for densifying porous articles with a liquid matrix precursor. The control of applied power addresses dynamic changes in the electrical characteristics of the porous article being densified as it becomes denser. In particular, the power applied is controlled in accordance with changes in resonant frequency of the coupled system of the induction heating system and the porous article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for improving densification of porous substrate using a film boiling process. In particular, the disclosed method and apparatus permit more complete densification of a substrate (i.e., densification closer to the surface of the substrate) by providing a sort of barrier that reduces cooling of the surface of the substrate being densified caused by contact with the relatively cool boiling liquid precursor of the densifying material, such as carbon. In particular, contact between the substrate and the liquid precursor is reduced using one or both of physical barriers (such as a mesh material) or structures that promote the formation of an insulating gaseous layer between the substrate and the liquid precursor (such as a plate closely spaced apart from the surface of the porous substrate).