Thermal Diffusivity Imaging of Ceramic Composites

Author(s):  
K. Elliott Cramer ◽  
William P. Winfree ◽  
Edward R. Generazio ◽  
Ramakrishna Bhatt ◽  
Dennis S. Fox ◽  
...  

Strong, tough, high temperature ceramic matrix composites are currently being developed for application in advanced heat engines. One of the most promising of these new materials is a SiC fiber-reinforced silicon nitride ceramic matrix composite (SiCf/Si3N4). The interfacial shear strength in such composites is dependant on the integrity of the fiber’s carbon coating at the fiber-matrix interface. The integrity of the carbon rich interface can be significantly reduced if the carbon is oxidized. Since the thermal diffusivity of the fiber is greater than that of the matrix material, the removal of carbon increases the contact resistance at the interface reducing the thermal diffusivity of the composite. Therefore thermal diffusivity images can be used to characterize the progression of carbon depletion and degradation of the composite. A new thermal imaging technique has been developed to provide rapid large area measurements of the thermal diffusivity perpendicular to the fiber direction in these composites. Results of diffusivity measurements will be presented for a series of SiCf/Si3N4 (reaction bonded silicon nitride) composite samples heat-treated under various conditions. Additionally, the ability of this technique to characterize damage in both ceramic and other high temperature composites will be shown.

Author(s):  
Todd Engel

Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) materials are an attractive design option for various high-temperature structural applications. In particular, the use of CMC materials as a replacement for state-of-the-art nickel-based superalloys in hot gas path turbomachinery components offers the potential for significant increases in turbine system efficiencies, due largely to reductions in cooling requirements afforded by the increased temperature capabilities inherent to the ceramic material. However, two-dimensional fabric-laminated CMCs typically exhibit low tensile strengths in the thru-thickness (interlaminar) direction, and interply delamination is a concern for some targeted applications. Currently, standardized test methods only address the characterization of interlaminar tensile strengths at ambient temperatures; this is problematic given that nearly all CMCs are slated for service in high-temperature operating environments. This work addresses the development of a new test technique for the high-temperature measurement of interlaminar tensile properties in CMCs, allowing for the characterization of material properties under conditions more analogous to anticipated service environments in order to yield more robust component designs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Presby

Abstract Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are an enabling propulsion material system that offer weight benefits over current Ni-based superalloys, and have higher temperature capabilities that can reduce cooling requirements. Incorporating CMCs into the hot section of gas-turbine engines therefore leads to an increase in engine efficiency. While significant advancements have been made, challenges still remain for current and next-generation gas-turbines; particularly when operating in dust-laden or erosive environments. Solid particles entrained in the gas flow can impact engine hardware resulting in localized damage and material removal due to repeated, cumulative impacts. In this study, the erosion behavior of a melt-infiltrated (MI) silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) CMC is investigated at high temperature (1,200 °C) in a simulated combustion environment using 150 μm alumina particles as erodent. Particle impact velocities ranged from 100 to 200 m/s and the angle of impingement varied from 30° to 90°. Erosion testing was also performed on α-SiC to elucidate similarities and differences in the erosion response of the composite compared to that of a monolithic ceramic. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the post-erosion damage morphology and the governing mechanisms of material removal.


1991 ◽  
Vol 251 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.-W. Li ◽  
J. Yamanis ◽  
P.J. Whalen ◽  
C.J. Gasdaska ◽  
C.P. Ballard

ABSTRACTIn situ reinforced (ISR) silicon nitride ceramics have been developed to have microstructures that mimic the best whisker containing ceramic matrix composites. Large, interlocking needle-like grains of beta silicon nitride can be produced throughout these materials to create an isotropic, high-temperature ceramic with high fracture toughness (˜9 MPa√m), good high-temperature strength (4 Pt MOR = 750 MPa at 25°C and 500 MPa at 1375°C), high Weibull modulus (m >20), and low creep at high temperature. Since these materials do not rely on transforming metastable phase inclusions as a toughening mechanism, their fracture resistance is virtually insensitive to temperature. The high crack growth resistance of these ceramics also yields a material which is extremely defect tolerant. Residual MOR strengths of 300–400 MPa are typical after multiple 50-kg Vicker's indentations of the sample tensile surface. After abrasive particle impact, the biaxial strengths of the in situ reinforced ceramics are typically more than twice that of traditional, fine-grained silicon nitrides.Unlike ceramic composites toughened using whisker additives, the in situ reinforcement approach to silicon nitride development does not require the use of complicated whisker dispersion techniques for green processing, nor is shape-limiting hot pressing required for densification during sintering.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mainak Saha

While descending through different layers of atmosphere with tremendously high velocities, hypersonic re-entry nosecones fabricated using ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composites (UHTCMCs) are subjected to repeated thermal shocks. This necessitates extensive investigations on the cyclic oxidation behaviour of UHTCMCs at temperatures ranging from 1100°C to 1300°C (service temperature of the nosecones). To this end, the present work is aimed at investigating the cyclic oxidation behaviour of ZrB2 -20 vol.%MoSi2 (ZM20) UHTCMC (a very widely investigated ZM CMC) by carrying out cycles for 6h, at 1cycle/h and estimating oxidation kinetic law. This has been followed by extensive characterisation using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) to indicate the phases formed during oxidation and Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), in order to determine the chemical composition of the oxides formed between 1100°C and 1300°C.


2009 ◽  
Vol 01 (03n04) ◽  
pp. 403-431 ◽  
Author(s):  
MOHAMMED A. SHEIKH ◽  
DAVID R. HAYHURST ◽  
SARAH C. TAYLOR ◽  
ROY TAYLOR

This paper presents the results of experimental measurements of transverse thermal diffusivity for six different industrial Ceramic Matrix Composite materials under the action of in-plane uni-axial mechanical loading. Measurements have also been taken using a one-dimensional Laser Flash technique on 8 mm diameter disc specimens without mechanical load. These results have been used to benchmark data obtained using a three-dimensional Laser Flash rig developed to operate on large mechanical test specimens whilst being loaded in a test machine. The latter facility has been used to measure the degradation of transverse thermal diffusivity with uni-axial strain. For five of the composites tested the degradation of transverse thermal diffusivity was small; and the degradation of transverse thermal diffusivity was linear with strain. One composite showed evidence of fibre pullout, and a decrease of transverse thermal diffusivity to a low value. The different behaviours observed were believed to be associated with the weave type/composite lay-up, and the selection of composite constituent materials, although insufficient data is available to make general conclusions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 518-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benedicta D. Arhatari ◽  
Matthew Zonneveldt ◽  
John Thornton ◽  
Brian Abbey

AbstractCeramic matrix composites (CMCs) are structural materials, which have useful properties that combine high strength at high temperatures with moderate toughness. Carbon fibers within a matrix of carbon and silicon carbide, called C/C–SiC, are a particular class of CMC noted for their high oxidation resistance. Here we use a combination of four-point bending and X-ray radiography, to study the mechanical failure of C/C-SiC CMCs. Correlating X-ray radiographic and load/displacement curve data reveals that the fiber bundles act to slow down crack propagation during four-point bending tests. We attribute this to the fact that strain energy is expended in breaking these fibers and in pulling fiber bundles out of the surrounding matrix material. In addition, we find that the local distribution and concentration of SiC plays an important role in reducing the toughness of the material.


Author(s):  
A. Szweda ◽  
T. E. Easler ◽  
D. R. Petrak ◽  
V. A. Black

Continuous fiber ceramic composites (CFCCs) are being considered as high temperature structural materials for gas turbine applications due to their high temperature capability, toughness, and durability. Polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) derived CFCCs are one class of these materials that can be fabricated using widely available polymer composite processing methods. This paper will discuss the general PIP fabrication process and thermo-mechanical properties of these materials, and show examples of complex prototype gas turbine components that have been fabricated and evaluated.


Author(s):  
Michael Presby

Abstract Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are an enabling propulsion material system that offer weight benefits over current Ni-based superalloys, and have higher temperature capabilities that can reduce cooling requirements. Incorporating CMCs into the hot section of gas-turbine engines therefore leads to an increase in engine efficiency. While significant advancements have been made, challenges still remain for current and next-generation gas-turbines; particularly when operating in dust-laden or erosive environments. Solid particles entrained in the gas flow can impact engine hardware resulting in localized damage and material removal due to repeated, cumulative impacts. In this study, the erosion behavior of a melt-infiltrated (MI) silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) CMC is investigated at high temperature (1,200 °C) in a simulated combustion environment using 150 µm alumina particles as erodent. Particle impact velocities ranged from 100 to 200 m/s and the angle of impingement varied from 30° to 90°. Erosion testing was also performed on a-SiC to elucidate similarities and differences in the erosion response of the composite compared to that of a monolithic ceramic. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the post-erosion damage morphology and the governing mechanisms of material removal.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Li ◽  
Bo-xing Zhang ◽  
Ying Guo ◽  
Weijian Han ◽  
Tong Zhao ◽  
...  

Abstract In this work, the continuous Nextel™ 720 fiber reinforced alumina ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were prepared by the prepreg process. The alumina matrix derived from aqueous slurry, which consisted of organic glue, alumina sol, nanometer alumina powder and micrometer alumina powder. This combination endowed the ceramic matrix composite with the prepreg processing capability, making the low-cost fabrication of complex shape components possible. The ratio of different alumina sources in aqueous slurry was optimized to offer good sintering activity, high thermal resistance, and excellent mechanical properties simultaneously. Furthermore, the preceramic polymer of mullite was used to strengthen the ceramic matrix through multiple impregnation process. The final CMC sample achieved a high flexural strength of 255 MPa and a good high-temperature stability. The maximum flexural strength of the CMC sample still remained 85% after heat-treatment at 1100 ℃ for 24 h.


2012 ◽  
Vol 727-728 ◽  
pp. 556-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.O. Guglielmi ◽  
G.F. Nunes ◽  
M. Hablitzel ◽  
Dachamir Hotza ◽  
Rolf Janssen

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) were developed to overcome the intrinsic brittleness and lack of reliability of monolithic ceramics. Their major advantages include high temperature capability, light weight, corrosion resistance and adequate damage tolerance. All-oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites (OCMCs) offer essential advantages with respect to long time stability in oxidizing atmospheres, when compared to their non-oxide counterparts. Nevertheless, there is at present almost no production concept which meets the requirements in view of cost and performance for these materials. This work aims at producing OCMCs by means of a more flexible production route. This is achieved by integrating well-known powder metallurgy routes with the prepreg technique, used at present for producing commercial high performance polymer matrix composites. The processing consists of the following steps: (a) infiltration of commercial alumina fiber fabrics (3M NextelTM610) with a liquid suspension of the matrix material; (b) lamination of the pre-infiltrated fiber textiles with a paraffin-based suspension for the formation of prepregs; (c) layup of prepregs; (d) warm-pressing for the consolidation of the green body; (e) debinding and (f) reaction bonding and/or sintering for synthesis of the oxide matrix. Pure alumina or Reaction Bonded Aluminum Oxide (RBAO) can be used as matrix materials and damage tolerance is achieved by the porous, weak-matrix approach. Microstructural analysis of a pure alumina composite fabricated by this route show good infiltration of fiber bundles and proves the good adhesion of prepregs during processing. Average strength value of 199 MPa in fiber direction is in good agreement with values presented in the literature for OCMCs produced by other techniques.


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