Life-Limiting Behavior of an Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composite at Elevated Temperature Subject to Foreign Object Damage

Abstract

The life-limiting behavior of an N720/alumina oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was assessed in tension in air at 1200 °C for unimpacted and impacted specimens. CMC targets were subjected to ballistic impact at ambient temperature with an impact velocity of 250 m/s under a full support configuration. Subsequent postimpact ultimate tensile strength was determined as a function of test rate in order to determine the susceptibility to delayed failure or slow crack growth (SCG). Unimpacted and impacted specimens exhibited a significant dependency of ultimate tensile strength on test rate such that the ultimate tensile strength decreased with decreasing test rate. Damage was characterized using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A phenomenological life prediction model was developed in order to predict life from one loading condition (constant stress-rate loading) to another (constant stress loading). The model was verified in part via a theoretical preloading analysis.