Iterative Development of Injection Molded Sintered Alpha SiC Turbine Material

A closed-loop iterative development method was used to improve the properties of injection molded turbine material. Both non-destructive and destructive evaluation were applied at each step in the process route to provide feedback into the development cycle. Flexural strength and strength distribution of test coupons were used as a response to the effect of changes in process variables. Extensive failure analysis was performed in order to determine the size and type of defect at the origin of failure. Several repetitions of this closed-loop development approach and the resultant improvement in properties are described.