CMC Multiscale

Researchers from GE Research’s Mechanics, Materials Behavior and Characterization groups are teaming up to advance the state of the art in multiscale durability models for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CMCs combine the heat resistance and low mass density of ceramics with the damage tolerance of metals. They are a vital enabler of next-generation aviation engines, including CFM LEAP, GE9X, and future military engines, and have applications in stationary gas turbines and other high-temperature machines.

                                           Multiscale durability model for ceramic matrix composite.

GE Research’s multiscale methods link information about material microstructure to component-scale  durability models in a fully coupled scheme. These methods offer improved generality and may be able to significantly reduce the time and expense of material testing. Our researchers collected 3D images of a CMC undergoing controlled fracture at the submicron scale using a synchrotron beamline, and developed ways to use the data in multiscale models.

This research was sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory and has involved contributions from the staff at the Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the University of Michigan, and NASA Glenn Research Center.