Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year (2017-2018 to 2018-2019).

GE Aviation is currently developing ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for engine applications. These CMCsx000D
are made with silicon carbide (SiC) ceramic fiber embedded in a SiC matrix material. The SiC ceramic fibersx000D
forming the yarns are highly stiff and brittle. During all yarn handling operations (e.g., coating, spooling, etc.),x000D
yarns undergo a moderate level of damage. This damage accumulates and has a detrimental effect on both partx000D
quality and yield. This project's objective is to develop a modelling approach to understand the fiber damagex000D
mechanisms during yarn processing. A parametric non-linear quasi-static finite element model will be createdx000D
in Abacus to represent yarn handling situations. A small test rig composed of a feed yarn spool, several frictionx000D
surfaces and a take-up spool be designed and built. The rig will reproduce fiber damage creation mechanismsx000D
and will help validate the modelling approach. A friction accumulation quantity will be determined from thex000D
modelling and testing. This quantity will be used to explain damage creation and assess fiber processingx000D
equipment design. The model files and a report will be delivered. With this project, we will develop modellingx000D
approaches to understand fiber-fiber and fiber-surface friction interactions. GE Aviation Bromont will expandx000D
its R&D efforts towards high performance composite applications in aircraft engines.