CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE ABRADABLE VIA REDUCTION OF SURFACE AREA

摘要

A ceramic matrix composite with an enhanced abradability has a patterned surface with an array of solid composite material (2) and voids (4) where the voids (4) extend into but not through the composite. The flow of gas through the voids (12) as the surface is traversed by an impinging component, such as a turbine blade tip, is inhibited by the shape and size of the voids (12) which can be sealed by the passing blade tip. Separately or additionally the inhibition of gas flow can result from the filling of the voids (12) with a ceramic material (14) of higher abradability than the ceramic matrix composite.