Computational Design of Impact Resistant Environmental Barrier Coatings for Ceramic Matrix Composites Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.1 Topic No.: N101-036 Topic Title: Computational Design of Impact Resistant Environmental Barrier Coatings for Ceramic Matrix Composites Proposal No.: N101-036-0785 Firm: QuesTek Innovations LLC 1820 Ridge Avenue Evanston, Illinois 60201-3621 Contact: Abhijeet Misra Phone: (847) 425-8233 Web Site: www.questek.com Abstract: Environmental barrier coated (EBC) SiC fiber-based ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are targeted for use in propulsion and power applications because of their high temperature capability, creep resistance and high thermal conductivity. However EBCs have been shown to be highly susceptible to foreign object damage (FOD), upon particle impact, leading to EBC spallation and subsequent rapid degradation of the underlying CMC. Under the proposed SBIR program, QuesTek Innovations LLC, a leader in the field of materials design, proposes to develop novel EBCs for Si-based CMCs to achieve enhanced impact/erosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Computational investigations of FOD in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have demonstrated that lowering the high temperature hardness and enhancing the toughness of the TBCs reduces the severity of FOD and improves resistance to spallation. QuesTek proposes to utilize novel intrinsic and extrinsic toughening strategies to enhance the impact resistance of EBCs. In the program QuesTek will partner with a leading OEM to provide the role of "voice of the customer" to define the material requirement matrix, processing requirements, and ultimately lead the material implementation. Concept feasibility will be established by impact tests and environmental oxidation tests on prototype coating designs fabricated at coupon-scale in the Phase I program. Benefits: Turbines operating at higher temperatures, using new ceramic components, can operate at higher efficiency providing improved performance at reduced fuel costs. EBCs that enable ceramic matrix components to be deployed have direct application in aerospace turbine engines, and will enable development of more efficient, higher temperature aerospace turbines representing a revolutionary performance increase and potential cost savings for both commercial and military aerospace applications. In addition, impact resistant EBC that are resistant to FOD can increase durability and reduce maintenance related costs. In the power generation sector, the breakthrough durability and high temperature capability of the EBCs will also allow hydrogen-fueled turbines and ultra-high temperature steam turbines to be developed, thus making the vision of zero-emission fossil-fuel power plants possible. Return