Thermomechanical Tests on CMC Samples and Heat Shingle in Oxidizing Environment

On three different materials, C/C, C/SiC and SiC/SiC, bending tests under thermo-mechanical cycles have been performed, in accordance with the thermal load conditions of hypersonic launch and re-entry. The samples have been manufactured with oxidation protective coatings in order to investigate also the effect of oxidizing environment.

In order to assess the influence of initial defects the test samples have been prepared with different drilled holes. Thereby, high sensitivity with respect to the initial defect size can be stated.

Eventually, as an actual structural component a C/SiC heat shingle has been manufactured and is going to be validated.