Characterization and Nozzle Test Experience of a Self Sealing Ceramic Matrix Composite for Gas Turbine Applications

Abstract

Advanced materials have the potential to improve gas turbine engine durability. One general area of concern for durability is in the hot section components of the engine. Ceramic matrix composites offer improvements in durability at elevated temperatures with a corresponding reduction in weight for nozzles of gas turbine engines. Building on past material efforts, a next generation SiC/SiC composite with a self-sealing matrix has been developed for gas turbine applications. An extensive baseline test characterization has been done that shows the overall material suitability. Prior to ground engine testing, a reduced test matrix was undertaken to aggressively test the material in a long-term hold cycle at elevated temperatures and environments. This tensile low cycle fatigue testing was done in air and a 90% steam environment. While the steam environment aggressively attacked the material, no appreciable debit in material life was noted. Nondestructive testing and post test characterization of this testing were performed. After completion of the aggressive testing effort, two nozzle seals of constant thickness were fabricated and installed in an F100-PW-229 engine for accelerated mission testing. The self sealing CMC seals were tested for over 250 hours in accelerated conditions without damage. The results of the engine testing will be shown and overall conclusions drawn.