Ultra High Temperature Mechanical Testing

The research and development of advanced materials for high-temperature applications requires special test methods, procedures and equipment. This recent book presents in-depth information on the subject prepared by leading high-temperature materials testing specialists from Europe, Japan and the U.S. The 18 illustrated reports cover key topics in the areas of equipment, theory, test design, test specimens, procedures, applications and test results interpretation and utility. A wealth of test data is included for various materials. The primary focus is on ceramic matrix composite materials. Other materials applications include intermetallics, refractories, and monolithic materials. The text includes numerous diagrams, flow charts and photographs which illustrate equipment, procedures and test specimens. The many tables and graphs provide test results and properties data for a variety of high temperature materials.

Keynote Presentation

Materials requirements for the thermal protection system of Hermes (spaceplane) and related testing requirements
Introduction - Classes of materials for the Hermes thermal protection system - High temperature testing requirement - Conclusion

II. Alignment and gripping

Alignment: A critical issue in high temperature testing
Introduction - Flexural versus uniaxial testing - Measurement and quantification of bending - Alignment performance of uniaxial test setups - Alignment in high temperature testing: A case for local heating and cold gripping - Recommendations for accurate and reliable uniaxial testing at high temperatures
Gripping techniques and concerns for mechanical testing of ultra high temperature materials
Introduction - Attributes - Self-aligning versus aligned and rigid gripping systems - Loading methods - Gripping system temperature - Conclusion
Uniaxial fatigue testing at high temperatures
Introduction - Specimens and grips - Alignment - Furnace - Conclusions

III. Temperature measurement and calibration

Techniques for high temperature thermometry
Introduction - The International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90) - Thermoelectric sensors - Radiation thermometry - Conclusion
Specific problems of temperature measurement and calibration in the range of 1000 degrees C to 2500 degrees C
Introduction - Calibration in the high temperature range - Problem of inhomogeneity and recalibration of thermocouples - Radiation thermometers at high temperature - Conclusion
Absolute measurement of high temperatures with graphite noise sensors
Introduction - Remaining problems and possible solutions - Noise thermometer sensors of carbon cord
Measurement of high temperature emissivity on opaque materials using a temperature-controlled solar furnace
Introduction - Principle of the method - Experimental setup - Experimental results - Conclusions

IV. Heating equipment and control

High temperature heating technologies for mechanical testing
Introduction - Furnace design - Heating performance - Measurement of thermal gradient - Other design considerations - Examples of recent furnace designs
High frequency heating methods for materials testing at ultra high temperatures
Induction heating - Non-metallic work pieces and susceptors - Shields and current concentrators - Temperature measurement - Dielectric heating - Microwave heating - Discussion and conclusion
Realistic testing and measurement techniques at very high temperatures using quartz halogen bulb furnaces
Introduction - Experimental methods - Measurement and data - Discussion - Conclusions

V. Extensometry and imaging

Contacting and non-contacting extensometry for ultra high temperature testing
General requirements for extensometry at ultra high temperature - Contacting extensometry - Non-contacting extensometry - Summary - Conclusions
Laser extensometry for servo control of ceramic fracture at high temperature
Introduction - Experimental procedure - Results and discussion - Conclusions

VI. Laboratory systems and experiences

Mechanical characterization of C-C materials up to 2700 degrees C under an inert environment
Introduction - Test device - Geometry of test pieces - Conclusions
Ceramic, carbon-carbon and other composite materials tests at high temperature
Introduction - Ultra high temperature testing problems - Heating and gripping - Test piece and test development - Extensometry - Component testing
Ultra high temperature in-plane biaxial fatigue testing system with in situ observation
Introduction - System requirements - Key technical issues - Experimental programs - Conclusions
Long-term tensile creep testing of ceramics applying a pneumatic loading system
Introduction - Qualification of the testing system - Experimental procedure - Results and discussion - Conclusions
Crack propagation testing at high temperatures
Introduction - Furnace designs - Test method - Temperature distribution - Conclusions
Index