Silicon carbide-based heat exchanger tubes are of interest to energy produc
tion and conversion systems due to their excellent high temperature propert
ies. Fiber-reinforced SiC is of particular importance for these application
s since it is substantially tougher than monolithic SiC, and therefore more
damage and thermal shock tolerant. This paper reviews a program to develop
a scaled-up system for the chemical vapor infiltration of tubular shapes o
f fiber-reinforced SiC. The efforts include producing a unique furnace desi
gn, extensive process and system modeling, and experimental efforts to demo
nstrate tube fabrication.