Effect of neutron irradiation on fracture resistance of advanced SiC/SiC composites

In order to identify the neutron irradiation effects on fracture resistance of advanced SiC/SiC composites, unloading-reloading single edge notched bend tests were conducted and an analytical model based on non-linear fracture mechanics was applied. As a result of the analysis, energy release rate contributed by macro-crack initiation of 3.1 kJ/m2 for both unirradiated and irradiated advanced SiC/SiC composites (Hi-Nicalon Type-S (0°/90° plain woven)/multilayer/chemically vapor infiltration) is estimated. This result indicates no significant degradation in fracture resistance after neutron irradiation to 5.9 × 1025 n/m2 at 800 °C.