Prediction of Glass Formation in High-Temperature Environmental Barrier Coating Systems

Further improvement in gas-turbine engine performance requires development of hot-section structural materials capable of functioning at unprecedentedly high temperatures. SiC fiber-reinforced SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) have high melting points, but are thermodynamically unstable in combustion environments. Environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) have been developed to protect the substrate from the combustion gases. It is unknown whether current EBCs are capable of protecting CMCs over their intended design life of approximately 2000 h. Physical models that make it possible to predict the effects of the service environment on the materials would enable design decisions without resorting to full-scale testing. In the proposed Phase I SBIR program, Infoscitex will develop a thermodynamic model for a simplified system that will lay the foundation for modelling full-scale parts in realistic combustion environments. Infoscitex will develop a database of thermodynamic data. A range of temperatures and coating systems will be investigated during the Phase I program. This model will be tailored to facilitate incorporation of additional EBC components in later phases. BENEFIT: The proposed modelling technology will allow optimization of high-temperature engine parts while minimizing costly experimentation. This technology will be applicable across the aerospace propulsion industry. The successful model will enable next-generation performance turbine engines. The model may also have applications beyond the aerospace propulsion industry, such as in glass manufacturing.