Multi-scale Physics-based Modeling of Particle-Impact Erosion of CMCs

Sand particles ingested into aeroengines can impinge on components made of ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) and cause structural damage including long-term erosion. Experimental analysis of erosion typically focuses on the damage footprint and mass loss and is limited in the range of operating parameters that can be examined. Hence, high-fidelity modeling of the erosion process is essential to derive insight into underlying physical phenomena, and thereby design more erosion-resistant materials. CFDRC and Sandia propose to develop a multi-scale, multi-physics modeling approach based on peridynamics for sand particle impact and erosion of CMCs. Peridynamics is an extension of continuum mechanics that calculates damage and cracking in response to external forces. It will be adapted for the problem of sand particles impacting SiC/SiC CMCs. The damage footprints of the impact craters will be determined and analyzed over a range of inputs such as impact velocity and angle, particle mass, and CMC architecture. The damage information will be linked to a kinetic Monte Carlo code to predict erosion rates over longer time scales and to train erosion rate laws. Phase I will demonstrate the work flow that will be expanded in Phase II for a wide range of CMCs relevant to Navy aeroengine applications.