59125 - High Temperature Solid Particle Erosion in a Melt-Infiltrated Sic/sic Ceramic Matrix Composite 

A significant challenge exists for gas-turbine engines when operating in dust-laden environments. Solid erosive particles entrained in the gas flow can impact engine components resulting in significant material removal leading to deleterious effects in overall engine performance. Accordingly, it is important to characterize and understand the erosion mechanisms in gas-turbine grade materials as resistance to solid particle erosion is necessary for the long life and durability needed for turbine engine applications. This work provides an overview of the high temperature burner rig erosion facility located at NASA Glenn Research Center, and investigates the erosion response of a melt-infiltrated silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (MI SiC_f/SiC_m CMC) with respect to particle velocity and impingement angle. The erosion testing was performed at 1200 °C (2192 °F) using alumina (Al₂O₃) particles with velocities ranging from 100-200 m/s. The influence of impingement angle was investigated for 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. The erosion response of monolithic silicon carbide (Hexoloy SA) is also presented and discussed to highlight the differences observed between monolithic and composite behavior. The erosion surface morphologies were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the operative erosion damage mechanisms.