Thermographic investigation of damage in ceramic matrix composites

As the engineering application of ceramic matrix composites progresses, a key part of the insertion effort is the non-destructive characterization. While most non-destructive evaluation is focused on the initial state based on the presence of defective conditions, the evolution of damage or change with exposure is more relevant. Thermography offers the benefit of fast inspection times with the option of finding defects or material changes based on the diffusivity of the material. A series of samples made out of ceramic matrix composite were inspected by thermography. Samples consisted of asfabricated and ones exposed to different conditions of temperature, stress and time. The results of this testing along with mechanical testing and analysis are presented and trends discussed.