A Modeling Tool for Predicting the Durability of Environmental Barrier Coatings (EBC) for Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

CompuTherm, LLC proposes a pilot project to develop a modeling tool that can be used to assess the durability of environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) under combustion environment. This modeling tool is a package that integrates thermodynamic databases for the gas phase and silica-oxide EBC systems, and robust computer software dealing with complicated systems involving gas, oxide liquid and solid. With this modeling tool, we can predict the phase stability and compatibility of EBCs with the SiC-based substrate, the durability and high temperature capability of a selected EBC, the volatility of the SiO2 scale, and the recession of the SiC-based ceramic materials under given combustion environment. All this information provides valuable guidance for the intelligent selection of EBCs of CMCs, which is crucial for the development of next generation hot section structural components. CompuTherm, LLC has significant capabilities for developing modeling tools from its past experience with software and thermodynamic databases development. In Phase I, have demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach by developing a tool for a simplified model system, whilst a powerful tool, which can be applied to practical complicated system, will be developed in Phase II. BENEFIT: A major breakthrough in gas turbine engine performance requires a new generation of hot section structural materials having a temperature capability considerably higher than current metallic hot section structural materials. Si-based ceramics, such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), exhibit superior high-temperature strength and durability, indicating their potential to revolutionize gas turbine engine technology. However, their usage as turbine engine hot-section components is limited due to their lack of environmental durability in high velocity combustion environments. Development of advanced EBCs for CMCs is therefore an essential, yet challenging task for materials scientists/engineers due to the complexity of the system. Traditional trial-and-error approach is costly and time-consuming, computational approach, on the other hand, becomes more and more important in materials development/enhancement and durability assessment. Successful completion of the proposed work will provide the US Air Force, other federal agencies, aerospace, and related industries with a valuable tool to accelerate the development of advanced environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to be used in combustion environment. In addition, research centers such as government laboratories and universities will find this tool useful for basic materials research. This will result in significant cost savings for the US government and aerospace industry in the development of next generation hot section structural materials.