A method of making a densified carbon component includes wrapping a preform tape of carbon material about a mandrel to form a first preform having a laminated, multi-layer structure, and applying a sacrificial tape overwrap to the first preform in a tensioned manner to form a second preform having the layers of preform tape subject to form-holding hoop stress by the tape overwrap. The second preform is then densified in a densification process to produce the densified carbon component. During densification, the presence of the overwrap helps to prevent undesired delamination or similar defects from occurring.

A method of making a densified carbon component includes wrapping a preform tape of carbon material about a mandrel to form a first preform having a laminated, multi-layer structure, and applying a sacrificial tape overwrap to the first preform in a tensioned manner to form a second preform having the layers of preform tape subject to form-holding hoop stress by the tape overwrap. The second preform is then densified in a densification process to produce the densified carbon component. During densification, the presence of the overwrap helps to prevent undesired delamination or similar defects from occurring.

A method includes providing a continuous mandrel body disposed along an axis. The mandrel body defines, in order along the axis from a first end thereof, a pilot lead-in section, a first article section, a tapered transition section, and a second article section. Beginning at the pilot lead-in section, a continuous fabric sleeve is progressively formed on the mandrel body to the first article section, to the tapered transition section, and then to the second article section to form a fabric-covered mandrel. The portions of the continuous fabric sleeve that are on the first article section and the second article section form, respectively, a first article preform and a second article preform. The fabric-covered mandrel is then divided to separate the article preforms, followed by densifying the article preforms with a ceramic matrix material to thereby form CMC articles.

A method includes providing a continuous mandrel body disposed along an axis. The mandrel body defines, in order along the axis from a first end thereof, a pilot lead-in section, a first article section, a tapered transition section, and a second article section. Beginning at the pilot lead-in section, a continuous fabric sleeve is progressively formed on the mandrel body to the first article section, to the tapered transition section, and then to the second article section to form a fabric-covered mandrel. The portions of the continuous fabric sleeve that are on the first article section and the second article section form, respectively, a first article preform and a second article preform. The fabric-covered mandrel is then divided to separate the article preforms, followed by densifying the article preforms with a ceramic matrix material to thereby form CMC articles.

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.