Description of the thesis topic

This thesis is about the understanding and modeling of the mechanical behavior of C/C composites at extreme temperatures. The composites of this study will be purchased from suppliers or supplied directly by CEA/DAM. This work focuses on the correlation between modeling and experimental results of mechanical tests at temperature as high as 2000°C. The main objectives of the thesis are : 1) designing a test rig for mechanical testing at 2000°C, 2) designing instrumentation for mechanical tests at these temperatures, 3) performing the mechanical tests on a wide range of temperature 4) choosing and implementing a mechanical constitutive law for the material, 5)using test results to identify the constitutive law parameters

Work Context

Carbon/carbon composites are commonly found on thermal protection of spaceships or in the hot parts of rocket nozzles. These components are designed to sustain temperatures exceeding 2000°C during various durations depending on the atmosphere. This design requires mechanical properties to be known on the whole temperature range of use in service. However, mecahnical characterization above 1400°C remains a challenge and the knowledge on the mechanical behavior in the upper temperature range remains poor.

The position is located in a sector under the protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST), and therefore requires, in accordance with the regulations, that your arrival is authorized by the competent authority of the MESR.