US Patent 10309242 Ceramic matrix composite component cooling

Ceramic matrix composite (CMC) airfoils and methods for forming CMC airfoils are provided. In one embodiment, an airfoil is provided that includes opposite pressure and suction sides extending radially along a span and opposite leading and trailing edges extending radially along the span. The leading edge defines a forward end of the airfoil, and the trailing edge defines an aft end of the airfoil. A trailing edge portion is defined adjacent the trailing edge at the aft end, and a pocket is defined in and extends within the trailing edge portion. A heat pipe is received in the pocket. A method for forming an airfoil is provided that includes laying up a CMC material to form an airfoil preform assembly; processing the airfoil preform assembly; defining a pocket in a trailing edge portion of the airfoil; and inserting a heat pipe into the pocket.