NASA 1996 SBIR Phase I

PROJECT TITLE : Design, Reliability Evaluation and Life Prediction of Ceramic Components Fabricated by Preceramic Polymer Pyrolysis

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Foster-Miller proposes to develop a reliability analysis and life prediction capability for ceramic structural components fabricated by the preceramic polymer approach. Foster-Miller is currently developing the preceramic polymer approach for producing net-shape ceramic and ceramic matrix composite components at affordable cost. Components derived by the preceramic polymer approach may contain some sub-micron size residual porosity and can have a composite microstructure.

The Foster-Miller analysis will be based on NASA-developed CARES and CARES/LIFE methodologies. Initially, the preceramic polymer pyrolysis-derived components will be treated as homogeneous. A large number of coupons will be fabricated and subjected to fast fracture to generate the necessary data for developing the model parameters. Then a typical component geometry will be selected for developing the finite element model and predicting the reliability and life.

In Phase II, longer term coupon level testing (cyclic fatigue, static fatigue and creep at room and elevated temperatures) will be continued for additional data input to the model. The model component will be subjected to system level testing. The test data will be used to validate the model predictions. Also, the model will be fine tuned to incorporate the composite nature of the preceramic polymer derived components.

The technology developed under this Phase I program will lead to reliability analysis and life prediction capability for preceramic polymer derived ceramics and ceramic composites components. The analytical capability will be applicable to many different components in aircraft turbine engines, land-based turbines, automobile diesel engines etc. The ability to analyze the reliability and predict component life will enable wide-spread use of ceramic and ceramic composite components fabricated by the net-shape, affordable preceramic polymer approach.

Dr. Prashant Karandikar, Project Engineer
Foster-Miller, Inc.,
350 Second Avenue,
Waltham, MA 02154-1196

Foster-Miller, Inc.,
350 Second Avenue,
Waltham, MA 02154-1196