Effects of thermal environments on the thermal shock resistance of ultra-high temperature ceramics

In the present study, the temperature-dependent thermal shock resistances of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) are examined based on the current evaluation theories of thermal shock resistance parameters, since the material parameters of the UHTCs are very sensitive to the changes of temperature. The influence of some important thermal environment parameters, such as the surface heat transfer coefficient, heat transfer condition, thermal stress decay modulus and initial temperature of the thermal shock, on the thermal shock resistance parameters, critical temperature of rupture and critical temperature difference of rupture of the UHTCs are studied considering the effects of temperature on the physical and mechanical properties of the UHTCs within the range of thermal shock temperature. The results show that thermal shock behaviour of the UHTCs is strongly affected by the thermal environment.