Development of a scaled-up chemical vapor infiltration system for tubular geometries

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.