Abstract: Liquid-gauging systems for estimating amounts of liquid within collapsible bladders. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system of this disclosure includes one or more liquid-gauging sensors that each output a signal relating to an amount of liquid within a corresponding collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a variable capacitor having capacitor plates located so that the spacing between the capacitor plates changes with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, each liquid-gauging sensor comprises a pressure sensor for measuring forces, such as gravitational forces, that change with changing amounts of liquid within the collapsible bladder. In some embodiments, a liquid-gauging system is configured for an aircraft or other moving vehicle and includes one or more additional sensors to adjust the estimating process to account for changes in attitude of the vehicle during use.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber preform for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication that utilizes a fugitive binder and a machining step is described. The method includes, according to one embodiment, laying up a plurality of plies to form a stack, where each ply comprises an arrangement of fibers. The stack is infiltrated with a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an infiltrated stack that is cooled to form a rigid preform. The rigid fiber preform is machined to have a predetermined shape, such that a machined fiber preform is formed. A composite assembly including the machined fiber preform is formed and then the composite assembly is heated at a sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the polymer. Thus, a porous preform of a predetermined geometry is formed for further processing into a CMC.

Abstract: A blade track assembly is disclosed. The blade track assembly comprises a plurality of ceramic matrix composite blade track segments arranged circumferentially adjacent to one another around a central axis. Each of the blade track segments includes an arcuate runner extending in a circumferential direction around a portion of the central axis and is coupled to circumferentially adjacent blade track segments.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber preform for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) fabrication that utilizes a fugitive binder and a machining step is described. The method includes, according to one embodiment, laying up a plurality of plies to form a stack, where each ply comprises an arrangement of fibers. The stack is infiltrated with a polymer at an elevated temperature to form an infiltrated stack that is cooled to form a rigid preform. The rigid fiber preform is machined to have a predetermined shape, such that a machined fiber preform is formed. A composite assembly including the machined fiber preform is formed and then the composite assembly is heated at a sufficient temperature to pyrolyze the polymer. Thus, a porous preform of a predetermined geometry is formed for further processing into a CMC.

Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud assembly includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter.

Abstract: A blade track assembly is disclosed. The blade track assembly comprises a plurality of ceramic matrix composite blade track segments arranged circumferentially adjacent to one another around a central axis. Each of the blade track segments includes an arcuate runner extending in a circumferential direction around a portion of the central axis and is coupled to circumferentially adjacent blade track segments.

Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly or blade track assembly adapted to extend around a turbine wheel assembly is disclosed. The turbine shroud assembly includes a carrier and a blade track coupled to the carrier. The blade track is movable between a radially-inward position having a first inner diameter and a radially-outward position having a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter.