Thermal Fatigue Behavior of 3D-Woven SiC/SiC Composite with Porous Matrix for Transpiration Cooling Passages

The effect of porous matrix on thermal fatigue behavior of 3D-orthogonally woven SiC/SiC composite was evaluated in comparison with that having relatively dense matrix. The porous matrix yields open air passages through its thickness which can be utilized for transpiration cooling. On the other hand, the latter matrix is so dense that the air passages are sealed. A quantity of the matrix was varied by changing the number of repetition cycles of the polymer impregnation pyrolysis (PIP). Strength degradation of composites under thermal cycling conditions was evaluated by the 1200 degrees C/RT thermal cycles with a combination of burner heating and air cooling for 200 cycles. It was found that the SiC/SiC composite with the porous matrix revealed little degradation in strength during the thermal cycles, while the other sample showed a 25% decrease in strength. Finally it was demonstrated that the porous structure in 3D-SiC/SiC composite improved the thermal fatigue durability. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009