A Novel Test Method for Measuring Interlaminar Tensile Strength of Ceramic Matrix Composites at High Temperature

The use of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials in aero-engine hot-section components has grown substantially over recent decades. Attributes that make these materials attractive to aero-engine designers include their lower specific weight, higher creep resistance, higher thermoshock resistance and higher specific strength over a large temperature range in comparison to superalloys and greater damage tolerance in comparison to monolithic ceramics. However, there remains a great deal of uncertainty regarding the strength properties of CMCs at high temperatures due in large part to a lack of standardized test protocols applicable to high temperatures. In particular, there exists no test method that enables accurate measurements of the interlaminar tesnsile strength of CMC material at high temperatures. To address this shortcoming, Composite Technology Development (CTD) proposes the development of a novel test protocol that enables accurate and reliable measurement of interlaminar tensile strength of CMC material at temperatures up to 2300oF. The proposed test protocol will utilize a non-contact heating method that enables quick and efficient heating up to the target temperature of 2300oF. The proposed test protocol will also allow for test samples to be prepared from existing stock of thin-gage, aero-section-hot-component-relevant CMC material thereby making custom test sample manufacture unnecessary.