DEFINITION:

Life prediction (residual stress, damage propagation, oxidation and corrosion) and multi-scale modelling taking into account the fibre/matrix interface.
Development of micromechanical characterisation tools (instrumented microindentation at room and high temperature, push-out and push-in).
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) : hot parts for turbine engine (nozzle flaps, thrust vectoring nozzles, flame-holder, exhaust cones), rocket propulsion (thrust chambers, exit nozzles and nozzle throats) and thermal protections.
Composites reinforced with long fibres or fillers.
Processing routes (sintering, hot pressing, reaction bonding, liquid infiltration, chemical vapour infiltration).
Organic Matrix Composites (OMC) : main body and wings for both subsonic or hypersonic aeroplanes and helicopters, outer ducts for engines, tanks, structural components for satellites and rockets, thermal protections.
Short or long fibre composites, compounds (premix or nanotubes).
Processing routes (press moulding, autoclave, RTM, filament winding, tow placement).
Metal matrix composites (MMC) : aero-engines hot parts (compressor disks, drive shafts, blades) and structural components (aircraft landing gear, rocket motor casing, missile fins, satellite antennas).
Continuous fibrereinforced and particulate-reinforced composites.
Processing routes (liquid infiltration under moderate pressure, fibre coating and HIPing, powder metallurgy).

(Source: ACARE Domain 203)

SUBDOMAINS:

1. CMC: matrices (carbide and nitride of silicon, glass-ceramics, carbon) ; fibres (silicon carbide, carbon,oxide) and fillers (silicon carbide).
2. OMC: matrices (thermosetting resins, thermoplastic polymers, thermostables and elastomers); reinforcement by fibres (carbon, polyethylene, polyaramide, glass, plant fibres) and by particles (mineral, nanotubes).
3. MMC: matrices (conventional titanium alloys, titanium luminides, nickel-based superalloys, aluminium and magnesium alloys); fibres (silicon carbide, alumina, carbon) and particles (carbides).
4. Elaboration processes.
5. Repairing processes.