Fracture toughness and solid-particle erosion of ceramic-matrix whisker-reinforced composites.

摘要

Fracture toughness and solid-particle erosion resistance of several ceramic whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix composites have been measured. Systems include Al(sub 2)O(sub 3) (plus) SiC(w), Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) (plus) Si(sub 3)N(sub 4)(w), Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) (plus) SiC(w) and Y(sub 2)O(sub 3)-stabilized ZrO(sub 2) (plus) Al(sub 2)O(sub 3)(w). Erosion has been investigated at room temperature for erodents of varying hardness, impact angles between 15 and 90(degrees), and velocities from 40 to 150 m/s. Results indicate that some toughening mechanisms are beneficial, whereas others are detrimental, to erosion resistance. Fabrication of the composites plays an important role in the erosion resistance.