|
Ceramic Matrix Composite Parts Marking
Navy SBIR 2009.3 - Topic N093-179 NAVAIR - Mrs. Janet McGovern - [email protected] Opens: August 24, 2009 - Closes: September 23, 2009 N093-179 TITLE: Ceramic Matrix Composite Parts Marking TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Strike Fighter, ACAT I OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate technologies to mark ceramic matrix composite parts for tracking in process and in service. DESCRIPTION: Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are increasingly being considered for a variety of turbine engine and other hot structure applications, both for military and commercial applications. Compared to current materials used in these applications, CMCs offer potential improvements in durability, as well as higher temperature capability and reduced weight. Many aspects of CMC technology and manufacturing are immature. Processes, as routine as parts marking, are complicated for CMCs given the high temperature exposures they are subject to during processing and in service. Rapid, reliable, and cost effective parts marking technology is necessary for in-process tracking and parts flow optimization as well as in-service parts tracking. CMCs fabricated by the polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) technique are subject to multiple infiltration and pyrolysis cycles during fabrication. Most existing marking technologies do not appear to survive the high temperature fabrication and application temperatures or are degraded during the various CMC processing steps. The desire is to mark the parts in the green state (before the first pyrolysis cycle) and be able to track them through subsequent infiltration and pyrolysis cycles, as well as to provide for tracking of the parts in service. Viable candidate approaches must be able to withstand CMC processing and application temperatures of up to at least 1200C and must not damage the CMC, alter its dimensions, or otherwise result in property degradation. Application techniques which are rapid, low cost, and automated are desired, especially techniques that allow for automated scanning of marked parts. Remarking of parts part way through the processing is a possibility, if marks are found not to survive all of the PIP cycles. Similarly, CMCs fabricated by processing methods other than PIP, which may not be marked until the processing is complete, require marking to enable tracking of the parts in service. Teaming with an engine company and CMC manufacturer is highly recommended to ensure that the technology and application technique is suitable for the identified material and application of interest, could be applied in a manufacturing environment, and would provide the required information. PHASE I: Develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a CMC marking technique for in-process and/or in-service parts tracking and its ability to survive high temperature exposure/processing. Demonstrate the ability to automatically scan marked parts if appropriate. PHASE II: Develop and optimize a prototype of CMC marking technique from Phase I. Demonstrate the use of the technology in the manufacturing environment to mark parts/track parts. Demonstrate the ability of the mark to be retained through the fabrication process as applicable. Demonstrate the ability to track parts in service through multiple high temperature exposures. PHASE III: Transition marking technology for use on military platforms and commercial applications. PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: CMCs are being considered for a variety of commercial applications including engines, hot structures, wear, and corrosion control. The technology developed here will be broadly applicable. REFERENCES: 2. http://zebulonimages.com/pdf/archer.pdf KEYWORDS: high temperature; parts marking; ceramic matrix composites; scanners; polymer infiltration; pyrolysis
|