Twisted-Tow CMC Prepreg Structure for Intralaminar Toughness
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current prepreg ceramic matrix composite structures lack bridging fibers that reinforce through thickness, leading to insufficient intralaminar toughness and handling issues during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
Intentionally twisting tows to create misaligned fibers that form bridging fibers within the plies, enhancing intralaminar toughness and improving manufacturability by ensuring proper impregnation without excessive twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tows are twisted to create misaligned fibers for bridging, then intralaminar toughness is improved, but handling and impregnation become difficult if excessive twisting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the twisting parameter (turns per meter) of the ceramic fiber tows. By optimizing this parameter to a specific range, the invention achieves sufficient fiber misalignment for bridging (improving intralaminar toughness) while preventing excessive twisting that would cause handling difficulties and impregnation problems. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between strength improvement and manufacturing ease.
2Force
If tows are twisted to increase bridging fibers, then resistance to shear forces is improved, but tow integrity may be compromised if twisting is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by optimizing the twisting parameter within a specific range. This controlled parameter change creates sufficient fiber misalignment to generate bridging fibers that resist shear forces, while simultaneously maintaining enough tow integrity to prevent fiber breakage and ensure proper impregnation during manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If no twisting is applied to tows, then handling and impregnation are easier, but intralaminar toughness and bridging fiber formation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a controlled amount of twisting (parameter optimization) rather than using either zero or excessive twisting. This optimized parameter creates the necessary fiber misalignment for bridging fiber formation and intralaminar toughness improvement, while simultaneously maintaining handling ease and proper impregnation characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) component and method of forming the CMC component with multiple layers of impregnated matrix fibers, at least one of the multiple layers including at least one CMC prepreg formed from a plurality of twisted tows, twisted through at least one turn/meter.