Thermophysical and mechanical properties of SiC/SiC composites

The key thermophysical and mechanical properties for SiC/SiC composites are summarized, including temperature-dependent tensile properties, elastic constants, thermal conductivity, thermal expansion, and specific heat. The effects of neutron irradiation on the thermal conductivity and dimensional stability (volumetric swelling, creep) of SiC is discussed. The estimated lower and upper temperatures limits for structural applications in high power density fusion applications are 400 and 1000 C due to thermal conductivity degradation and void swelling considerations, respectively. Further data are needed to more accurately determine these estimated temperature limits.