Analysis and Modeling of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) in Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)

Silicon (Si) based ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are one of the leading candidates for structural components in next generation gas turbine engines. There are several driving forces behind the introduction of ceramics in the hot-structure zone in jet engines including (i) the demand for higher operating temperatures, (ii) reduction in CO emissions, and (iii) significant weight savings. A key performance limiting issue in CMCs is foreign object damage (FOD). Ballistic impact of debris ingested during service causes spallation and damage to the surface of the structural component often exposing the bulk to harsh environment and creating macro-notches that serve as crack nuclei. The primary focus in this STTR program will be towards developing high fidelity models to quantify damage in CMCs. The effects of FOD on CMCs have been experimentally investigated and to certain extend characterized. However, physics based models to characterize and quantify the severity of the damage caused due to ballistic impact in CMCs have been limited. Under the proposed STTR program, QuesTek Innovations LLC, a leader in the field of materials design, will partner with Prof. Katherine Faber (Northwestern University, Evanston, IL) to develop a robust and comprehensive modeling scheme to quantify FOD in CMCs.