James D. Kiser

Evaluation of ultra-high temperature ceramics for aeropropulsion use

Among the ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) are a group of materials consisting of zirconium diboride or hafnium diboride plus silicon carbide, and in some instances, carbon. These materials offer a good combination of properties that make them candidates for airframe leading edges on sharp-bodied reentry vehicles. These UHTCperform well in the environment for such applications, i.e. air at low pressure. The purpose of this study was to examine three of these materials under conditions more representative of a propulsion environment, i.e. higher oxygen partial pressure and total pressure. Results of strength and fracture toughness measurements, furnace oxidation, and high velocity thermal shock exposures are presented for ZrB2 plus 20 vol.% SiC, ZrB2 plus 14 vol.% SiC plus 30 vol.% C, and SCS-9a SiC fiber reinforced ZrB2 plus 20 vol.% SiC. The poor oxidation resistance of UHTCs is the predominant factor limiting their applicability to propulsion applications. # 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of Ceramic Matrix Composite Technology for Aircraft Turbine Engine Applications

The goals of the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project are to reduce the NO(x) emissions, fuel burn, and noise from turbine engines. In order to help meet these goals, commercially-produced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) components and environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) are being evaluated as parts and panels. The components include a CMC combustor liner, a CMC high pressure turbine vane, and a CMC exhaust nozzle as well as advanced EBCs that are tailored to the operating conditions of the CMC combustor and vane. The CMC combustor (w/EBC) could provide 2700 F temperature capability with less component cooling requirements to allow for more efficient combustion and reductions in NOx emissions. The CMC vane (w/EBC) will also have temperature capability up to 2700 F and allow for reduced fuel burn. The CMC mixer nozzle will offer reduced weight and improved mixing efficiency to provide reduced fuel burn. The main objectives are to evaluate the manufacturability of the complex-shaped components and to evaluate their performance under simulated engine operating conditions. Progress in CMC component fabrication, evaluation, and testing is presented in which the goal is to advance from the proof of concept validation (TRL 3) to a system/subsystem or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL 6).

Oxide_Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) Exhaust Mixer Development in the NASA Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project

LibertyWorks®, a subsidiary of Rolls-Royce Corporation, first studied CMC (ceramic matrix composite) exhaust mixers for potential weight benefits in 2008. Oxide CMC potentially offered weight reduction, higher temperature capability, and the ability to fabricate complex-shapes for increased mixing and noise suppression.In 2010, NASA was pursuing the reduction of NOx emissions, fuel burn, and noise from turbine engines in Phase I of the Environmentally Responsible Aviation (ERA) Project (within the Integrated Systems Research Program). ERA subtasks, including those focused on CMC components, were being formulated with the goal of maturing technology from Proof of Concept Validation (Technology Readiness Level 3 (TRL 3)) to System/Subsystem or Prototype Demonstration in a Relevant Environment (TRL 6).In April 2010, the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and Rolls-Royce (RR) jointly initiated a CMC Exhaust System Validation Program within the ERA Project, teaming on CMC exhaust mixers for subsonic jet engines. The initial objective was to fabricate and characterize the performance of a 0.25 scale low bypass exhaust system that was based on a RR advanced design, with a 16-lobe oxide/oxide CMC mixer and tail cone (center body). Support Services, LLC (Allendale, MI) and COI Ceramics, Inc. (COIC) supported the design of a mixer assembly that consisted of the following oxide/oxide CMC components mounted on separate metallic attachment flanges: a) a lobed mixer and outer fan shrouds, and b) a tail cone. TRL 4 (Component/Subscale Component Validation in a Laboratory Environment) was achieved in a cost-effective manner through subscale rig validation of the aerodynamic and acoustic performance via testing at ASE FluiDyne (Plymouth, MN) and at NASA GRC, respectively. This encouraged the NASA/ RR/COIC team to move to the next phase of component development; full scale CMC mixer design for a RR AE3007 engine. COIC fabricated the full scale CMC mixer, which was vibration tested at GRC under conditions simulating the structural and dynamic environment of a mixer. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB)) provided test support by assisting with instrumentation and performing 3D laser vibrometry to identify the mixer mode shapes and modal frequencies over the engine operating range.Successful vibration testing demonstrated COIC’s new process for fabricating full scale CMC mixers and the durability of the Oxide CMC component at both room and elevated temperatures. A TRL≈5 (Component Validation in a Relevant Environment) was attained and the CMC mixer was cleared for ground testing on a Rolls-Royce AE3007 engine for performance evaluation to achieve TRL 6.Copyright