NDE Characterization and Mechanical Behavior in Ceramic Matrix Composites

Several nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, including ultrasonic C-scan, X-ray computed tomography (CT), and infrared (IR) thermography, were employed on ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) to illustrate defect information that might effect mechanical behavior and to analyze structural performance of CMCs. Prior to tensile testing, through C-scan and CT analyses results, the qualitative relationship between the relative ultrasonic transmitted amplitude and porosity based on CT was exhibited. An IR camera was used for in-situ monitoring of progressive damages and to determine temperature changes during tensile testing. Moreover, scanning-electron microscopy characterization was used to perform microstructural failure analyses. This paper describes the use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to facilitate the understanding of tension behavior of CMCs.