Innovative Test Solutions has the capability of testing parts that experience low-loads in service, such as ceramic coatings.
These ceramic coatings are used as a thermal barrier coating (TBC) on various internal components found in land-based turbines and aircraft engines.
Using Modulus Testing to Improve Mechanics
In the pursuit of constant improvement to maximize the operational efficiencies in turbines, ceramic coatings have become a critical component in today’s stationary and aerospace gas turbines.
How Ceramic Coating Testing Works
Ceramic coatings are placed on a substrate (base material) and on top of a bond coat made of a metallic-based primer to act as a thermal insulator to the part being coated.
The thermal insulator layer allows for significantly higher inlet temperatures using standard super-alloys.
The addition of such coatings leaves the components with a stack-up of differing material characteristics, such as the elastic modulus, bend strength, and thermal lifting — also called coating spallation.
These characteristics are evaluated using free-standing modulus testing to acquire the ceramic modulus and bend strength.
Accepted Material Sample Sizes
ITS can accept sample sizes of a 1-inch x 2-inch panel or a 1-inch round button. Samples are cut into ¼-inch strips with a diamond saw — yielding three test points per sample to average any localized inconsistencies in the coating.
Three-Point Bend Test
Samples are then immersed in an acid etch to remove the bond coat from the base material, which will then release the ceramic coating.
The specimens are then put through a three-point bend test. This process provides the bend strength and the Young’s modulus of the ceramic coating.
With the installation of different rated load cells, this frame range is extended from ounces of force to a maximum of 1,000 pounds of force.
Using a computer and custom-written software by ITS, digital data is recorded and analyzed automatically, which helps to improve the accuracy of modulus testing services. The same frame can be equipped with a proportional integral derivative- (PID) controlled convection oven that is capable of withstanding temperatures up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit (315 degrees Celsius).
For more information regarding modulus testing, please request a quote below.
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