Design and development of SiC/(W,Ti)C gradient ceramic nozzle

The idea of functionally gradient material (FGM) theory was used to design ceramic nozzle based on the erosion wear behaviors of the ceramic nozzles and the outstanding properties of FGM. The purpose is to reduce the tensile stress at the entry region of the nozzle during sand blasting processes. The design theory and methods of gradient ceramic nozzle were proposed. The physical, micromechanical, and composition distribution models of gradient ceramic nozzle were established. The optimum composition distribution of the gradient ceramic nozzle material was determined from the solution of the multi-objective optimization calculation by constructing the models of the composition distribution versus the structural integrity of the compact in fabricating process. Results showed that compressive residual stresses appeared at the entry area of the gradient ceramic nozzle. The optimized component distribution exponent p is 0.5. An SiC/(W,Ti)C gradient ceramic nozzle material was synthesized by hot-pressing according to the design result. Results showed that the surface Vickers hardness of the FGM-1 gradient ceramic nozzle materials was greatly improved in comparison with that of the other layers.