Oxide CMC exhaust ground test demonstrator consists of a 1.60-m
diameter nozzle and 1.14-m diameter × 2.34-m conical centerbody
with titanium end cap inspection portal. Credit: Steyer; IJACT.
Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials can benefit aerospace
in propulsion and exhaust, thermal protection, and hot primary
structure applications, according to Todd E. Steyer of The
Boeing Company (Huntington Beach, Calif.). Reviewing aerospace-
related presentations from last July’s 4th International
Congress on Ceramics in a recent paper in the ACerS
International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, Steyer
outlined several emerging aerospace opportunities for CMCs,
including propulsion and exhaust, thermal protection, and hot
primary structure applications. In the propulsion area, gas
turbines have long been dominated by the use of nickel-based
superalloys and titanium alloys. According to Steyer, engine
manufacturers are now taking a closer look at CMCs for use in
engine hot sections. Silicon carbide-based compos