X-ray microtomography of ceramic and metal matrix composites

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1995 · Materials Evaluation

OSTI ID:116138

Baaklini, G Y; Bhatt, R T; Eckel, A J ^[1]; Engler, P; Rauser, R W ^[2]; Castelli, M G ^[3]

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1. National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Cleveland, OH (United States). Lewis Research Center
2. Cleveland State Univ., OH (United States)
3. NYMA, Inc., Cleveland, OH (United States)

Capabilities and limitations of X-ray computed microtomography (CT) in characterizing relevant composite material issues as identified during manufacturing processes were investigated. Damage in engine subcomponents was evaluated and compared with damage detected in pedigreed coupon type specimens. The system used is a newly developed state-of-the-art X-ray computed tomography system capable of providing digital radiography, computed tomography, and computed laminography. CT was found viable for characterizing processing defects and coating effect in thermally shocked carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC) samples. CT results from mechanically tested silicon carbide fiber reinforced reaction bonded silicon nitride (SiC/RBSN) matrix sample were evaluated and compared to engine tested SiC/RBSN turbine vanes. Thermomechanically cycled SiC (SCS-6) fiber reinforced Timetal 21S samples showed viability of CT in detecting composite constituents and limitations of CT in detecting matrix and fiber cracking. Also an engineering analysis approach was proposed to continuously integrate nondestructive evaluation modalities in the design-manufacturing-prototyping cycle of engine components.

• OSTI ID: 116138
• Journal Information: Materials Evaluation, Vol. 53, Issue 9; Other Information: PBD: Sep 1995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
42 ENGINEERING NOT INCLUDED IN OTHER CATEGORIES
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
SILICON CARBIDES
CARBON FIBERS
SILICON NITRIDES
TITANIUM BASE ALLOYS
AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS
X-RAY RADIOGRAPHY
DEFECTS
DAMAGE
CRACKS
COATINGS
THERMAL SHOCK
TURBINE BLADES