Date of Award

12-1991

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Shankar Mall, PhD

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of a fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite with circular holes. The specific objectives were to (1) determine the relationship between tensile failure stress and the ratio of hole diameter to specimen width, and (2) to examine the initiation and progression of damage. The ceramic matrix composite used was SiC/ 1723, composed of continuous silicon titanium carbide fibers in an aluminosilicate glass ceramic matrix. Uniaxial tensile tests were performed at room temperature on two different layups; unidirectional [0]8, and [0/90]2s symmetric. Each layup was tested at three diameter-to-width ratios. Damage data were gathered using acoustic emission, strain gauges, replication techniques, and ultrasound (C-scan). Specimens were also sectioned after damage and examined. Strain data from the region of the hole provided the best indication of initial damage in the [0]8 layup. Acoustic emission techniques accurately indicated the point of initial damage in the [0/90]2s layup. The Whitney-Nuismer failure theory for notched composites was adapted to allow for specimens of varying widths, and was found to fit the experimental data well.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-91D-20

DTIC Accession Number

ADA243867

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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