Residual Strength Prediction of SiC/SiC Composite Exposed to Service Environments with Factor Analysis Method

The residual strength prediction of thermal structural materials exposed to different service environments can be conducted using a factor analysis method. As an example, the residual flexural strengths of a 3D silicon carbide (SiC)/SiC composite exposed to vacuum, Ar–O ₂ , and Ar–O ₂ –H ₂ O atmospheres, respectively, were predicted in the present study. The residual strength of the composite was expressed as a function of environmental factors. By analyzing the partial changes of strength of the composite from individual environmental factors, the residual strength of the composite exposed to service environments can be calculated according to the sum of the partial changes of strength. This factor analysis method was useful to illustrate trends of residual flexural strength of 3D SiC/SiC exposed to service environments.