Abstract: An assembly for nuclear applications includes a tubular cladding for containing nuclear fuel. The tubular cladding comprises a ceramic matrix composite. An assembly tube surrounds the tubular cladding, and a collar is positioned between the tubular cladding and the assembly tube. The collar extends circumferentially around the cladding and comprises the ceramic matrix composite. The tubular cladding may be centered within the assembly tube by the collar.

Abstract: An assembly for nuclear applications includes a tubular cladding for containing nuclear fuel. The tubular cladding comprises a ceramic matrix composite. An assembly tube surrounds the tubular cladding, and a collar is positioned between the tubular cladding and the assembly tube. The collar extends circumferentially around the cladding and comprises the ceramic matrix composite. The tubular cladding may be centered within the assembly tube by the collar.

Abstract: A method of forming a ceramic matrix composite having a smooth surface includes laying up a plurality of plies, where some or all of the plies include an arrangement of spread tows comprising carbon fibers, thereby forming a fiber preform. Each spread tow has a height-to-width aspect ratio of less than about 0.1. The fiber preform is infiltrated with a ceramic matrix material and/or ceramic matrix precursor to embed the carbon fibers in a ceramic matrix. Thus, a ceramic matrix composite comprising a smooth and/or flat surface devoid of undulations from rounded tows is formed.

Abstract: A method of producing or repairing a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite comprises delivering a powder composition comprising SiC particles and chopped coated SiC fibers into or onto a powder receptacle configured for composite fabrication or repair. After delivering the powder composition into or onto the powder receptacle, the SiC particles are densified to form a SiC matrix reinforced with the chopped coated SiC fibers, thereby producing or repairing a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite.

Abstract: A fluid conduit may be provided comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cross-over tube and a flange. The CMC cross-over tube may comprise a first end configured to extend into a first combustor liner of a gas turbine engine, and a second end configured to extend into a second combustor liner of a gas turbine engine. The interior of the CMC cross-over tube may define a passageway. The flange may extend outwardly from an outer surface of the CMC cross-over tube. The flange may be configured to engage at least one of the first combustor liner and the second combustor liner.

Abstract: A fluid conduit may be provided comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cross-over tube and a flange. The CMC cross-over tube may comprise a first end configured to extend into a first combustor liner of a gas turbine engine, and a second end configured to extend into a second combustor liner of a gas turbine engine. The interior of the CMC cross-over tube may define a passageway. The flange may extend outwardly from an outer surface of the CMC cross-over tube. The flange may be configured to engage at least one of the first combustor liner and the second combustor liner.

Abstract: A fluid conduit may be provided comprising a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) cross-over tube and a flange. The CMC cross-over tube may comprise a first end configured to extend into a first combustor liner of a gas turbine engine, and a second end configured to extend into a second combustor liner of a gas turbine engine. The interior of the CMC cross-over tube may define a passageway. The flange may extend outwardly from an outer surface of the CMC cross-over tube. The flange may be configured to engage at least one of the first combustor liner and the second combustor liner.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed having a compressor, combustor, and turbine and a flow path therethrough. A flow path member is disposed between an inner surface of the flow path and a rotating shaft that couples the compressor and turbine. The flow path member directs a cooling fluid along a path to cool a portion of the gas turbine engine between the inner surface and the rotating shaft. The flow path member is retained to permit radially free motion and can also be retained to permit axially free motion. The flow path member can have feed holes that permit the cooling fluid to pass.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is disclosed having a compressor, combustor, and turbine and a flow path therethrough. A flow path member is disposed between an inner surface of the flow path and a rotating shaft that couples the compressor and turbine. The flow path member directs a cooling fluid along a path to cool a portion of the gas turbine engine between the inner surface and the rotating shaft. The flow path member is retained to permit radially free motion and can also be retained to permit axially free motion. The flow path member can have feed holes that permit the cooling fluid to pass.