"Continuous Fiber Reinforced Polymer-Derived Ceramic Matrix Composites for Hydrogen Gas Turbine Engines"

This event is sponsored by FAMU-FSU Engineering Department of Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering.

Abstract: Continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites (CFCMCs) have offered a variety of applications in composites thermal protection systems, aerospace prolusion systems, brake systems, and power generation. Such composite materials have overcome intrinsic brittleness of monolithic ceramics to avoid catastrophic failures. They also possess low density, high mechanical properties at higher temperatures, and inherent corrosion resistance. In this talk, we will present polymer-derived ceramic matrix composites for their potential application for the combustor liner of hydrogen gas turbine engines. The YSZ fibers can withstand temperatures up to 2,200°C and are corrosively resistant against oxidizing and reducing atmospheres. The Si(B)CN ceramic was synthesized from the liquid polyborosilazane precursor followed by curing and pyrolysis. Presence of boron in the ceramic matrix has significantly improved high temperature thermal stability compared to conventional ceramic matrices such as SiC, SiOC, and SiCN. Multiple polymer infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) process cycles were used for the CMC fabrication to reduce the porosity of the composite and enhance its properties. The results of the hydrogen/air torch test and the hydrogen engine test rig under various engine running conditions have demonstrated that the developed CMC material remains stable making it promising for hydrogen gas turbine engines. The future research directions for the development of ceramic matrix composites are also presented.

Dr. Jan Gou

Professor and Graduate Program Director

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department

University of Central Florida

Bio: Dr. Jan Gou is Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Central Florida. His research interests focus on synthesis, processing, characterization, testing, and modeling of composite materials and structures. He founded the Composite Materials and Structures Laboratory at UCF in 2007. His composite materials research has been associated with three research centers, including UCF Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research Center, Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion, and FAA Center of Excellence for Commercial Space Transportation. He is the author of 6 book chapters, 5 patents, and more than 210 technical papers in archival journals and conference proceedings in the field of composite materials. He earned his Ph.D. degree in materials science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1999. He also received a Ph.D. degree in industrial engineering from Florida State University in 2002.