Fabrication of SiC–SiC composites for fuel cladding in advanced reactor designs

摘要: Abstract Both advanced fission reactor concepts and fusion energy systems demand materials that can survive extremely harsh operating environments having persistent high temperature neutron flux conditions. Silicon carbide fiber/silicon matrix (SiC–SiC) composites have shown promise for these applications, which include fuel cladding structural components. However, the composite fabrication process is time consuming of complicated geometries be difficult. In this work, SiC–SiC carbon fiber–SiC samples were fabricated using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), mechanical thermal properties with a range densities total times characterized compared. sample density reinforcing fiber material found to very significant influence on properties. particular, internal porosity effect response, as observed in crack propagation low samples. order better understand densification composites, computer model being developed simulate diffusion reactants through preform, SiC deposition surfaces. Preliminary modeling has been correlated experimental results shows promising results.