Consumable core for manufacture of composite articles and related method
Systems, methods and devices adapted to ease manufacture of composite articles (e.g., ceramic composite articles), particularly composite articles which include a hollow feature are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a consumable core formed to be disposed within an inner portion of a composite precursor, the consumable core adapted to convert into an infiltrant during a manufacturing process and infiltrate the composite precursor.
1. A system comprising:
a consumable core configured to be disposed within a hollow feature within a composite precursor, the consumable core completely enclosed by the composite precursor, the consumable core configured to be consumed during a melt infiltration manufacturing process, wherein the consumable core infiltrates the composite precursor, wherein the hollow feature is vacated by the consumable core.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an external feed connected to the consumable core via a wick for supplying a flow of infiltrant material to the composite precursor.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the consumable core includes a cast material.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the consumable core includes at least one of silicon or boron.
5. The system of claim 1 , further comprising an external block disposed proximate the composite precursor for supplying infiltrant material to the composite precursor.
6. A system, comprising:
a composite precursor having a hollow feature; and
a consumable core disposed within the hollow feature of the composite precursor, the consumable core completely enclosed by the composite precursor, the consumable core configured to convert into an infiltrant during a manufacturing process and infiltrate the composite precursor wherein the hollow feature is vacated during the melt infiltration manufacturing process.
7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising an external block disposed substantially proximate the composite precursor and adapted to supply additional infiltrant material to infiltrate the composite precursor.
8. The system of claim 6 , further comprising a reservoir connected to the consumable core via a drain, the reservoir adapted to receive a flow of infiltrant material from the consumable core.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the consumable core is formed from sintered powders and includes at least one of silicon and boron.
10. The system of claim 6 further comprising:
an external feed connected to the consumable core via a wick, the external feed adapted to supply a flow of infiltrant material to the composite precursor.
11. The system of claim 6 , wherein the composite precursor is porous and carbonized.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the wick includes woven carbon fiber.