Fundamental scientific issues remain to be addressed to enable the development of a full range of high-performance ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites for Air Force air and space applications. These issues encompass basic design, new constituents, compatible chemistries, and enabling processes for oxide and nonoxide ceramic matrix composites. Current research focuses on investigating higher temperature nonoxide fiber and matrix constituents for enhanced durability and developing related fabrication processes, investigating the stability of consitituents in aggresive oxidizing environments, and understanding those key environmental effects on constituent-level behavior that affect life in relevant service environments. Modeling of ceramic matrix composite fabrication processes and degradation mechanisms is of particular interest. Intended service environments for these composites include turbine engines and scramjet engines, as well as hot structures and thermal protection systems for hypersonic vehicles.

 

key words

Processing; Composites; Coatings; Characterization; High temperature; Interfaces; Ceramics; Fibers;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants