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Thermal shock damage in a two-dimensional woven-fiber-reinforced-CVI SiC-matrix composite

Journal Article · · Journal of the American Ceramic Society
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Cincinnati, OH (United States). Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering
  2. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Metals and Ceramics Div.
Thermal shock damage in a two-dimensional woven-Nicalon{trademark}-fiber-reinforced-CVI SiC-matrix composite was induced by water quenching and characterized by optical microscopy as a function of quench temperature difference ({Delta}T) and number of quench cycles. Mechanical damage generated in flexure on quenched and unquenched specimens also was characterized and compared to the thermal shock damage. The observed thermal shock damage consisted of small matrix cracks and fiber-matrix interfacial debonding on the surface, and large interior cracks in the matrix that formed between and parallel to the fiber cloths. At low {Delta}T values, only small matrix cracks on the surface were observed, and they were related to initial decreases in Young`s modulus. At higher {Delta}T values, larger cracks between the fiber cloths in the specimen interior were observed and related to decreases in the ultimate strength. Cyclic quenching resulted in progressive thermal shock damage that was consistent with Young`s modulus measurements.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
417770
Journal Information:
Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Ceramic Society Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 79; ISSN 0002-7820; ISSN JACTAW
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English