Development and Evaluation of Hybrid Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite Combustor Liners

Abstract

Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are an attractive class of materials for gas turbine hot section applications. The oxide fiber reinforcement and inherent matrix porosity contributes to favorable fracture toughness and thereby enhanced resistance against impact by foreign objects. Also, the oxide composition ensures superior environmental resistance against accelerated attack by corrosive species in the gas turbine hot section and resulting surface recession typically observed in silicon-based ceramic monolithic and composite materials. Under a program sponsored by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) a hybrid oxide/oxide CMC system has been developed with potential application for stationary gas turbine hot section components. COI Ceramics, Inc. has fabricated subscale and full scale combustor liners which have been evaluated in rig and engine testing at Solar, and in field testing in a Solar Centaur® 50S engine at a commercial end user site. Following the conclusion of the NIST program in June 2003 the engine field testing is being continued under a Solar-led program sponsored by the US Dept. of Energy (DOE). As of November 2004, a hybrid oxide/oxide CMC outer combustor liner has accumulated 12,582 field test hours with 63 starts and an extensive material experience base has been developed. The paper will summarize the progress to-date for this hybrid CMC combustor liner development and demonstration, including selected fabrication approach, NDE, and rig/engine test experience.