Transmitting and friction behavior of a carbon/silicon carbide composite hinge in high temperature combustion environment

An all-ceramic hinge based on the two dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (C/SiC) composites was prepared by chemical vapor infiltration. The high temperature combustion wind tunnel realized simulation of the transmitting and friction behavior of the hinge at 1800°C in an oxidizing atmosphere. Based on the coupling stress equivalent simulation system, a characterization method with the change of torque was proposed to evaluate the friction behavior. The friction and wear behavior as well as wear mechanism were studied both at high temperatures in combustion environment and at room temperature in air. The results indicate that the friction torque is stable and insensitive to the sliding time at high temperatures, which demonstrates stable and reliable friction property and thermal load-carrying ability of the hinge. The tribochemical reaction products on contact surface may moderate the stress distribution by providing a reaction layer for wear protection and lubrication.