Abstract: A process for producing a silicon-containing CMC article that exhibits improved physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties at elevated temperatures exceeding the melting point of silicon. The process entails producing a body containing a ceramic reinforcement material in a solid matrix that comprises solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy and a ceramic matrix material. The ceramic matrix composite article is produced by at least partially removing the solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy from the solid matrix and optionally reacting at least part of the solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy in the solid matrix to form one or more refractory materials. The solid elemental silicon and/or silicon alloy is sufficiently removed from the body to enable the ceramic matrix composite article to structurally and chemically withstand temperatures above 1405° C.

Abstract: A process for producing CMC articles, such as turbine components. The process entails applying a release sheet to a drum and then forming on the drum an impregnated tape that overlies the release sheet. The tape comprises a slurry mixture containing a ceramic precursor material and a unidirectionally-oriented filamentary material that may be wound onto the drum dry or already impregnated with the mixture. A second release sheet may be applied to overlie the tape. Alternatively, the filamentary material may be impregnated with the slurry mixture after it has been wound and removed from the drum. The resulting laminate structure may then be passed through an apparatus that flattens the tape and redistributes the slurry mixture within the tape.

Abstract: A CMC article and process for producing the article to have a layer on its surface that protects a reinforcement material within the article from damage. The method entails providing a body containing a ceramic reinforcement material in a matrix material that contains a precursor of a ceramic matrix material. A fraction of the reinforcement material is present and possibly exposed at a surface of the body. The body surface is then provided with a surface layer formed of a slurry containing a particulate material but lacking the reinforcement material of the body. The body and surface layer are heated to form the article by converting the precursor within the body to form the ceramic matrix material in which the reinforcement material is contained, and by converting the surface layer to form the protective layer that covers any fraction of the reinforcement material exposed at the body surface.

Abstract: A shroud support apparatus for a ceramic component of a gas turbine having: an outer shroud block having a coupling to a casing of the gas turbine; a spring mass damper attached to the outer shroud block and including a spring biased piston extending through said outer shroud block, wherein the spring mass damper applies a load to the ceramic component; and the ceramic component has a forward flange and an aft flange each attachable to the outer shroud block.

Abstract: A structure for attaching together or sealing a space between a first component and a second component that have different rates or amounts of dimensional change upon being exposed to temperatures other than ambient temperature. The structure comprises a first attachment structure associated with the first component that slidably engages a second attachment structure associated with the second component, thereby allowing for an independent floating movement of the second component relative to the first component. The structure can comprise split rings, laminar rings, or multiple split rings.