LAUSR

Abstract Application of ceramic mat as thermal protection (TBCs) has the main disadvantage – low erosion resistance and very low mechanical strength against high-velocity gases and impacts by foreign particles. The paper presents new results for CFRP/TBC build up of stiffened ceramic mat using silicate compound rigidiser in order to seal the surface and protect against heat transfer and mechanical loads. Experimental samples of CFRP/TBC systems were subjected to heat transfer and damage during the point-concentrated thermal shock introduced by gas burner flame up to 850 °C for different time exposures. Then samples were subjected to 3-PB tests to assess damage state after thermal shock. In numerical analysis two FEM models were elaborated. The first one concerns the heat transfer across the RVE (representative volume element) of the CFRP/TBC structure. The second one describes bending of the beam including damage and cracking in the stiffened ceramic mat and delamination of the interface CFRP/TBC system. Based on the results of experimental research, the newly formulated numerical model allowed for efficient calculation of the CFRP substrate effort against the heat transfer due to thermal shocks and gradual damage development in the TBC layer up to the final failure, preceded by delamination of the CFRP/TBC system.