Real-time damage evaluation of a SiC coated carbon/carbon composite under cyclic fatigue at high temperature in an oxidizing atmosphere

A SiC coated C/C composite was fatigued at 1300 °C in an oxidizing atmosphere. Damage evolution of the composite was discussed on the basis of modulus reduction and ratchetting strain developments. Real-time electrical resistance and acoustic emission responses were monitored throughout fatigue and the data showed fairly good agreement with composite micro-damage. It is feasible to employ resistance and acoustic emission measurements as real-time damage evolution indicators for fatigue of C/C composites at high temperature in corrosive environments.