A method of forming a metal matrix composite (MMC). The method comprises providing a fiber (26) comprising a ceramic material coated with a metal, providing a winding head (12) having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending alternate first and second finger members (18, 20), the finger members each defining a winding surface (22, 24), the winding surface of each first finger member facing a first axial direction, and the winding surface of each second finger member facing a generally opposite axial direction, wherein adjacent winding surfaces (22, 24) of the first and second finger members (18, 20) are spaced in a circumferential direction, and define an axial spacing less than the diameter of the fiber (26), and winding the fiber around the winding head (12) between the winding surfaces (22, 24) of the first and second finger members (18, 20).

A gas turbine engine assembly adapted to separate a high pressure zone from a low pressure zone includes a seal assembly configured to block gasses from passing through the interface of two adjacent components. The seal assembly includes a rod.

A gas turbine engine assembly adapted to separate a high pressure zone from a low pressure zone includes a seal assembly configured to block gasses from passing through the interface of two adjacent components. The seal assembly includes a rod.

A turbomachine blade may include an airfoil and a shank coupled to the airfoil. The shank may include a cover plate having a first circumferential face and a second, opposing circumferential face. A radial cooling groove is positioned in the first circumferential face and is configured to allow a cooling fluid to pass from a first radial position to a second, different radial position relative to the platform. The radial cooling groove provides cover plate and shank cooling. In addition, the radial cooling groove may deliver fluid for purging gaps between blade platforms and cover plates, which prevents the ingestion of hot gas from the turbine flowpath.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a seal comprising: a shoe, and at least one beam coupled to the shoe, wherein the seal includes a single crystal material with a predetermined crystalline orientation. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a method for designing a seal, comprising: obtaining a requirement associated with at least one of: a geometrical profile of the seal, a temperature range over which the seal is to operate, a natural frequency associated with the seal, or a range of deflection associated with the seal, selecting a crystalline orientation for a single crystal material of the seal based on the requirement, and fabricating the seal based on the selected crystalline orientation.