Developments in non-destructive testing of ceramic metal matrix composites for aerospace and defence applications

Title : Developments in non-destructive testing of ceramic metal matrix composites for aerospace and defence applications

Abstract:

Ceramic metal matrix composites (CMMCs) are advanced materials integral to aerospace and defence industries due to their exceptional properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratios, thermal stability, wear resistance, and fatigue endurance. These properties make CMMCs ideal for critical applications, including turbine blades, protective armors, and structural components in high-performance systems. However, ensuring their reliability and performance necessitates precise non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques that preserve the material's integrity.

Recent advancements in NDT methodologies have significantly enhanced the ability to detect microstructural flaws, delamination, cracks, and residual stresses in CMMCs. Ultrasonic testing, leveraging advanced phased-array technologies, provides detailed internal imaging to identify subsurface defects. X-ray computed tomography (CT) offers high-resolution volumetric assessments, crucial for identifying porosity and internal structural inconsistencies. Infrared thermography has emerged as a powerful tool to evaluate surface and subsurface anomalies by detecting thermal gradients under controlled heating conditions.

Emerging approaches, such as acoustic emission techniques, enable real-time monitoring of CMMCs during mechanical loading, offering insights into progressive damage mechanisms. This comprehensive review explores the latest innovations in NDT for CMMCs, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring material reliability for aerospace and defence applications. By addressing the challenges of inspecting complex interfaces and heterogeneous microstructures, these advanced techniques pave the way for safer, more efficient utilization of CMMCs in high-stress environments.

Keywords: Ceramic metal matrix composites (CMMCs), non-destructive testing (NDT), aerospace applications, defense materials, ultrasonic testing, X-ray computed tomography (CT), infrared thermography, acoustic emission, microstructural analysis, predictive maintenance

Biography:

Dr. Vuppula Prasanna gratuated in Mechanical Engineering at Sree Visveswarayya Institute of Science & Technology in 2006 and Post graduated at JNTUH Campus in 2010. She then joined as Research Scientist in DLRL, Hyderabad, India. She received her PhD degree in 2023 at Osmania University ,India. After one year as research associate working on Advanced Materials and their Challenges in Industry 4.O. She obtained the position of an Associate Professor at Various Engineering Colleges in Hyderabad, India. She has published 17 research articles in Various journals, Conferences and Proceedings and also Written Two Text Books.