Patent ID: 6902692
Filing Date: 2005-06-07
Classification: C04B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. In a method for making a fiber reinforced matrix composite article comprising a first surface, a second surface, and a matrix and reinforcing fibers therebetween, the article experiencing a plurality of different operating temperature and stress combinations across each of the first and second surfaces, each different combination extending completely through the matrix and the first and second surfaces, the steps of: calculating each of the different combinations; selecting for each different combination a discrete region each extending across each of the first and second surfaces and completely through the first and second surfaces and the matrix therebetween, a first region experiencing therethrough a first operating temperature that develops a first stress, a second region experiencing therethrough a second operating temperature, less than the first operating temperature, that develops a second stress greater than the first stress; selecting first fibers having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at the first operating temperature to provide a first strength greater than the first stress; selecting second fibers having a second CTE greater than the first CTE at the second operating temperature to provide a second strength greater than the second stress; disposing the first fibers as reinforcing fibers in the matrix in the first region of the article; and, disposing the second fibers as reinforcing fibers in the matrix in the second region of the article.