NEUP CINR-17-13080: Multiscale Investigation of SiC/SiC Composite Degradation in Helium Coolant Operating Environment

The proposed research will reveal the long-term degradation mechanisms of SiC/SiC composites in helium coolant environments by slow crack growth (SCG). This will be achieved through multiscale testing in hot, O2-contaminated He and evaluation of the effect of SCG on hermeticity during in situ testing. Results will be extended to predictive tow-level and component-scale SCG models. Finally, results will be integrated into the development of ASME standards for use of SiC/SiC in nuclear reactors.

Additional Info

Field	Value
Awarded Institution	University of Virginia
PI	Xiaodong Li