CX-270388: Multiscale Investigation of SiC/SiC Composite Degradation in Helium Coolant Operating Environment – University of Virginia

The University of Virginia proposes to establish a fundamental understanding of the coupled mechanical (surface and sub-surface cracking during mechanical deformation) and chemical (oxidation and He ingression) degradation mechanisms of SiC/SiC through four distinct tasks: (1) unveil environmental slow-crack growth mechanisms via in situ mechanical testing, (2) uncover in situ hermeticity evolution during mechanical loading, (3) develop predictive, multiscale environment-assisted crack growth models, and (4) synthesize project findings into ASTM/ASME standards and codes to facility technology transfer.