Thermomechanical and Fracture Analysis of Silicon Carbide in Cannon Bore Applications
Abstract
A 200 W/mm(2) heat flux typical of cannon bore heating is applied to a silicon carbide (SiC) sample using pulsed laser heating that simulates cannon firing. Thermomechanical models of the near-bore failure processes in fired chromium plated steel cannons are adapted to evaluate SiC for potential use in cannon bore applications. Near-bore transient temperatures are calculated using a finite-difference method and validated using the observed depth and known temperature of the steel transformation. Cracks both normal and parallel to the heated surface are noted in the SiC sample to a depth of 0.08-mm following 5-ms pulses of laser heating. The cracking is attributed to similar mechanisms as those in cannons, i.e., transient thermal expansion and permanent compressive deformation at high temperature followed by thermal contraction and tensile residual stresses upon cooling. Fracture analysis shows that the 0.08-mm deep cracks would lead to further cracking of the SiC upon application of cannon firing pressures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA416282
Entities
People
- G. N. Vigilante
- John H. Underwood
- Paul J. Cote
Organizations
- United States Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center