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Developments in Ceramic Materials Research

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Model<strong>in</strong>g of Thermal Transport <strong>in</strong> <strong>Ceramic</strong>s Matrix Composites 185<br />

Figure 10(b). Two orthogonal tows sectioned normal to the Y axis <strong>in</strong> a X-Z plane cutt<strong>in</strong>g through the<br />

silicon carbide matrix encapsulat<strong>in</strong>g the lower tow.<br />

3.2.4. Denuded Matrix Regions (Class D Porosity)<br />

This type of porosity is due to the large voids, which occur at the <strong>in</strong>tersection of four<br />

orthogonal tows. This class of porosity occurs dur<strong>in</strong>g manufacture due to difficulties <strong>in</strong> the<br />

CVI process, these are largely due to the difficulty and time required to fill the large void<br />

which occurs at the <strong>in</strong>tersection of four tows. Porosity of such type is illustrated <strong>in</strong> Figure<br />

8(a)-(c), Figures 7 and 11.<br />

Figure 11. A schematic view of a section through a unit cell show<strong>in</strong>g one unit of Class D porosity<br />

(spotted region).<br />

3.3. Quantification of Porosity<br />

Various classes of porosities for DLR-XT are quantified by utilis<strong>in</strong>g a porosimeter as<br />

well as detailed observations of optical micrographs. The porosimeter received its <strong>in</strong>put data<br />

<strong>in</strong> the format of a digital two dimensional surface image. A software was then used to edit<br />

black and white images by the selection of a group of vary<strong>in</strong>g levels of greyness. Discernment<br />

between levels of greyness and porosity area fractions was calibrated with standard reference<br />

test pieces. Eventually, the result generated was an area fraction expressed as a percentage.<br />

Pert<strong>in</strong>ent area fractions <strong>in</strong> connection with porosity classes A and D are quantitatively<br />

determ<strong>in</strong>ed with the porosimeter. Optical micrographs were used <strong>in</strong> the case of porosity<br />

classes B and C. For these two classes of porosities, the length scale is that associated with<br />

the height of the tow measured <strong>in</strong> the Z-direction. This is equal to the diameter of the circle

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