General Electric Company
Ceramic matrix composite turbine nozzle shell and method of assembly

Abstract:

A method of manufacturing a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) turbine nozzle shell is provided. The method includes: assembling a primary outer nozzle platform, a primary inner nozzle platform, a core and trailing edge preform, and an airfoil-shaped body; joining the primary outer nozzle platform to a secondary outer nozzle platform of the airfoil-shaped body; and joining the primary inner nozzle platform to a secondary inner nozzle platform of the airfoil-shaped body. Composite plies circumferentially surround the airfoil-shaped body, and their longitudinal edges are cut into fingers that are folded down. The fingers are interleaved between secondary platform plies to form the secondary outer and inner nozzle platforms.