Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a turbofan engine is provided. The rotor assembly includes an annular spool including a first blade opening defined therein, a first rotor blade configured to be radially inserted through the first blade opening, and a fairing positioned on a radially outer side of the annular spool. The first rotor blade includes a blade portion and a flange portion that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the blade portion such that the flange portion is positioned on a radially inner side of the annular spool. The fairing is configured to receive a fastener radially inserted through the flange portion and the annular spool such that the first rotor blade is secured to the annular spool.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a turbofan engine is provided. The rotor assembly includes an annular spool including a first blade opening defined therein, a first rotor blade configured to be radially inserted through the first blade opening, and a fairing positioned on a radially outer side of the annular spool. The first rotor blade includes a blade portion and a flange portion that extends substantially perpendicularly relative to the blade portion such that the flange portion is positioned on a radially inner side of the annular spool. The fairing is configured to receive a fastener radially inserted through the flange portion and the annular spool such that the first rotor blade is secured to the annular spool.

Abstract: Process for producing a ceramic composite structure includes impregnating a reinforcing material with a suitable precursor slurry composition including thermosetting resin, a suitable curing agent, a ceramic component, a carbonaceous solids component, and optionally, a suitable solvent. Exemplary thermosetting resins include polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxy resins, bismaleimide resins, and polyimide resins. The carbonaceous solids component provides a suitable amount of carbon char upon pyrolization. The preform may be dried prior to curing to remove solvents and thereby provide a working material comprising up to 70 volume % solids. The preform is cured, pyrolized, and infiltrated with molten silicon to form a composite article. The thermosetting resin is selected for processibility, green strength, and relatively fast cure cycle.

Abstract: A ceramic matrix composite precursor slurry composition includes a thermosetting resin, a suitable curing agent, a ceramic component, a carbonaceous solids component, and optionally, a suitable solvent. The thermosetting resin may be a polyester, a vinyl ester, an epoxy resin, a bismaleimide resin, and/or a polyamide resin. The carbonaceous solids component provides a suitable amount of carbon char upon pyrolization. The precursor slurry composition may comprise up to about 70 volume % solids after removal of the solvent, and prior to cure. A sheet molding compound first and second outer films comprising the precursor slurry composition and randomly dispersed reinforcing material carried between the first and second outer films.

Abstract: Process for producing a ceramic composite structure includes impregnating a reinforcing material with a suitable precursor slurry composition including thermosetting resin, a suitable curing agent, a ceramic component, a carbonaceous solids component, and optionally, a suitable solvent. Exemplary thermosetting resins include polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxy resins, bismaleimide resins, and polyimide resins. The carbonaceous solids component provides a suitable amount of carbon char upon pyrolization. The preform may be dried prior to curing to remove solvents and thereby provide a working material comprising up to 70 volume % solids. The preform is cured, pyrolized, and infiltrated with molten silicon to form a composite article. The thermosetting resin is selected for processability, green strength, and relatively fast cure cycle.