Erosion and erosion‐fatigue/creep behavior of N720A/alumina ceramic matrix composites in combustion environment

Abstract Solid particle erosion behavior of an oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was evaluated under high‐temperature, high‐velocity conditions with novel incorporation of simultaneous fatigue and creep loading during erosion impact. Experiments were conducted at 800°C and 1200°C with two different velocities, 200 m/s and 350 m/s, respectively. Mass loss, erosion rate, and microscopy of erosion crater per impact were determined to evaluate the extent of damage incurred. Post‐erosion room temperature tension tests were performed to determine retained strength of CMCs. The results show that cumulative mass loss and erosion rate increase with increase in temperature and velocity. Post‐erosion tension tests reveal decrease in strength with increasing crater area. Fatigue performance decreased with respect to increased severity of erosive conditions. However, the decrease in fatigue performance was attributed for the most part to the increase in net‐section stress acting on crater region and not on additional elevated temperature fatigue‐induced degradation mechanism. By integrating fatigue and creep tests into erosion experiments, this study provides a framework for understanding combined effects of mechanical loading and erosion on oxide/oxide CMCs.