The demanding environment in aircraft turbine engines has driven the development of many innovative high temperature materials. This thesis examines one of the latest of these materials, an oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC), N720/A. This CMC consists of a porous alumina matrix reinforced by Nextel 720 fibers in a balanced 8 harness satin weave. To characterize this material, monotonic tensile and cyclic fatigue tests were performed at room temperature and at 1200 . The effects of moisture on fatigue behavior were also investigated at 1200 . Modulus, maximum and minimum strain and stress strain hysteresis were monitored during the cycling to characterize fatigue damage mechanisms. Retained strength of all specimens that survived I Os cycles was also characterized. Microscopy and fractography were used to examine microstructure, damage mechanisms, and fracture surfaces. N720/A was found to have good room temperature and high temperature properties.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.