NEWS

GE AVIATION TO USE CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES IN JET ENGINES

E Aviation (Evendale. Ohio) is taking the unprecedented step of introducing durable, lightweight composite components, into the "hot section" of a jet engine- The GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team's Fl 36 developmental engine for the loint Strike Fighter (ISF) contains thirdstage, low-pressure turbine vanes made by GE from ceramic matrix composites (CMC), which are capable of handling the extreme temperatures. The company says the work could lead to the first commercial use of CMCs in a jet engine's combustor and turbine areas when an FI36-powered ISF begins flight testing in 2010, CMCs are typically made of silicon carbide ceramic fibers and ceramic resin, and are further enhanced with proprietary coatings. CMC development is a key initiative at GE Aviation, and an enabling technology in several of GE's private and government-funded engine demonstrator programs now underway, CMC components also are a key feature of GE's eCore program, the cornerstone for the company's next-gen era tion of jet engines for narrowbody regional and business ets because of their low mass and greater durability and heat resistance, compared to metals. These characteristics mean engines need less cooling air, which improves overall engine efficiency. GE Aviation produces CMC parts at its facility in Newark, Del. GE Aviation and GE's Corporate Research Center have pursued CMC technology for more than 15 years. Several years ago. GE Aviation ran a government demonstrator engine with a combustor liner and low-pressure turbine blades. "Developing new jet engine materials takes many years of investment and commitment," said Robert Schafrik. GE Aviation's general manager of materials and process engineering "But the benefits can provide a considerable competitive advantage CMCs are a new frontier that will raise the bar in jet engine performance." Schafrik predicts CMC parts will populate many areas in theengine's hot section, including high- and low-pressure turbine vanes and blades, turbine shrouds, and combustor liners. For example. CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture of Snecma and GE, will run a Leap-X demonstrator i.Mi;ine in 2010 with CMC components, in pursuit of technologies for next-generation engines for narrow-body aircraft.

GE Aviation pioneered the use of com)osites in the "cold section" of et engines n 1995, introducing the first composite front an blade (a carbon/epoxy construction) in its JE90 engine, which powers the Boeing 777. In ts new GEnx engine, developed for the Boe-

ing 787, GE will use similar composite fan blades, and introduce a braided-fiber composite fan blade containment case. Both will provide dramatic weight savings. CMC combustor liners are under consideration for future GEnx production models.

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