A method of fabricating a refractory metal ceramic matrix interpenetrating phase harsh environment capable composite is provided. The method includes forming a reinforcing phase by additive manufacturing and introducing a matrix material to the reinforcing phase. The step of introducing the matrix material may be performed by additive manufacturing or a densification process. The reinforcing phase may be a lattice formed of metal or a ceramic, and the matrix material may be a ceramic or a metal. Alternatively, the reinforcing phase formed by additive manufacturing is a laminate layer, and the matrix material introduced to the reinforcing phase is a laminate layer deposited on the reinforcing phase by additive manufacturing in a plurality of alternating layers. A refractory metal ceramic matrix composite is also disclosed. The refractory metal ceramic matrix composite includes a lattice formed by additive manufacturing, and a matrix material deposited in the lattice.

A method includes the steps of placing a mandrel into a braiding machine the mandrel having a radially outer tang and a radially inner tang for holding the mandrel relative to the braiding machine. The radially outer tang having a width between the leading edge and the trailing edge smaller than a distance between the leading edge and trailing edge of the mandrel such that there is a ledge leading into the outer tang. The mandrel body has a width in a direction between the leading edge and the trailing edge that transitions into the inner tang beyond a location that will serve as a base for the braided material. Ceramic matrix composite (CMCs) yarn is braided about a portion of the mandrel which serves as the base for the braided yarn to form a shear tube. A mandrel is also disclosed.

A method for producing a part made of composite material, includes obtaining a mold includes (i) a fibrous texture, (ii) a granular filtration layer located between a drainage surface of the texture and a permeable discharge surface and including a powder of filtration particles, and (iii) an element for retaining the granular layer, which element is distinct from the layer and located between the permeable discharge surface and the drainage surface, introducing a suspension including matrix particles in a liquid medium through an introduction surface of the fibrous texture that is distinct from the drainage surface, the liquid medium passing through the drainage surface, the granular filtration layer and the retention element to be discharged through the permeable discharge surface, and the matrix particles being retained in the pores of the fibrous texture by the granular filtration layer, and forming the part made of composite material by forming a matrix.

Fiber reinforced aerogel composites, including a transparent composite material that contains an aerogel and fibers embedded into the aerogel and/or bonded to one or more surfaces of the aerogel, and composites that contain an aerogel tile and an assemblage of fibers embedded into the aerogel tile or bonded to the aerogel tile that are useful as Cherenkov radiators for the detection and identification of subatomic particles. Also, methods of making and using the composites.