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Air Force Institute of Technology

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Full-Text Articles in Structures and Materials

Tensile Creep Of A Hybrid Polymer-Matrix/Ceramic-Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Waleed S. Alshehri Sep 2025

Tensile Creep Of A Hybrid Polymer-Matrix/Ceramic-Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Waleed S. Alshehri

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced aerospace systems require structural materials that can perform reliably in high-temperature environments for long durations. The performance of standard polymer matrix composites (PMCs) in these conditions is often limited by their susceptibility to time-dependent deformation, such as creep. The objective of this research is to characterize the high-temperature creep behavior of a novel unitized material system comprising a polymer matrix composite (PMC) and a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) co-cured together. The PMC part consists of the polyimide matrix reinforced with laminated carbon fibers woven in an eight harness satin weave (8HSW). The CMC part consists of a zirconia-based ceramic …


Mechanical Response Of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Gyroid Structures Under Combined Loading, Jay B. Patel Mar 2025

Mechanical Response Of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Gyroid Structures Under Combined Loading, Jay B. Patel

Theses and Dissertations

This work explored combined tensile and torsional loads applied to additively manufactured Inconel 718 specimens employing Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. The gyroid TPMS unit cell was selected with two variations of cylindrical cell maps, a rectangular cell map, and a spherical cell map. All four variants were tested in an axial-torsion test frame at room temperature using equal parts of vertical and angular displacement control until failure. The combined loading in these tests utilized tension and torsion. The data from the tests were compared to finite element analysis (FEA) models to visualize when yielding was predicted. Finally, the …


Dynamic Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Tensegrity Structures, Keivan Davami, Russell A. Rowe, Ben Gulledge, Jesse Park, Ali Beheshti, Anthony N. Palazotto, Fariborz Tavangarian, Sadie Beck Dec 2024

Dynamic Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Tensegrity Structures, Keivan Davami, Russell A. Rowe, Ben Gulledge, Jesse Park, Ali Beheshti, Anthony N. Palazotto, Fariborz Tavangarian, Sadie Beck

Faculty Publications

Herein, we present an analysis, design, and experimental testing of modular prestressed pin-jointed structures constructed from bistable units and inspired by the classical triangular tensegrity prism. Tensegrity structures, characterized by a combination of tension members (cables) and compression members (bars) in a self-equilibrated state, have gained significant attention in engineering over the past two decades due to their unique nonlinear mechanical behavior. The discontinuity of the compression members in tensegrity structures leads to a slightly different failure behavior compared to their lattice structure counterparts, with unprecedented applications. However, traditional fabrication and assembly methods have posed challenges for their widespread adoption. …


Tension–Compression Fatigue Of A Hybrid Polymer-Matrix/Ceramic-Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Marina B. Ruggles-Wrenn, Joshua Schmidt Jul 2024

Tension–Compression Fatigue Of A Hybrid Polymer-Matrix/Ceramic-Matrix Composite At Elevated Temperature, Marina B. Ruggles-Wrenn, Joshua Schmidt

Faculty Publications

Fully reversed tension–compression fatigue of a hybrid material comprising polymer matrix composite (PMC) co-cured with a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) was investigated. The PMC portion had a polyimide matrix reinforced with 15 plies of carbon fibers woven in an eight-harness satin weave (8HSW). The CMC portion had three plies of a quartz-fiber 8HSW fabric in a zirconia-based ceramic matrix. The hybrid PMC/CMC was developed for use in aerospace thermal protection systems (TPS). Hence, the experimental setup aimed to simulate the TPS service environment—the CMC side was kept at 329 °C, whereas the PMC side was open to laboratory air. Compression …


Computational Modeling Of Single Shear Bolted Joints In Hybrid Composite Laminates With And Without Film Adhesive, Cameron S. Mcmahan Mar 2024

Computational Modeling Of Single Shear Bolted Joints In Hybrid Composite Laminates With And Without Film Adhesive, Cameron S. Mcmahan

Theses and Dissertations

This research explores the effectiveness of predicting composite failure subject to quasi-static loading conditions using computational methods. FEA models were created using Abaqus and were employed to predict composite yield and initial failure behavior. Boundary conditions are generated to replicate the loading scenario seen in the experimental tests. Computationally predicted structural response of the composite range in accuracy from a 2% difference compared to experimental values to a maximum of 63%.


Influence Of Environmental Barrier Coatings On The Overall Effectiveness Of A Film Cooled Ceramic Matrix Composite Plate, Shane P. Lindsay Mar 2024

Influence Of Environmental Barrier Coatings On The Overall Effectiveness Of A Film Cooled Ceramic Matrix Composite Plate, Shane P. Lindsay

Theses and Dissertations

Silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites, a promising new potential upgrade over the conventional metals currently used for jet engine turbine blades, have a propensity to oxidize in a combustion environment. Engine manufacturers often apply environmental barrier coatings to prevent the composites from oxidizing. What is unclear, however, is how environmental barrier coatings effect underlying composite temperatures. This research examined the coatings’ effects by first characterizing the influence of environmental barrier coatings on the underlying temperature of a protected ceramic, then evaluating the significance of lateral conduction for cooling a coated ceramic, and finally comparing cooling results for coated and uncoated …


Towards An Understanding Of The Thermodynamic Properties Of Crtao4: A Computational Perspective, Tanner B. Gordon Mar 2023

Towards An Understanding Of The Thermodynamic Properties Of Crtao4: A Computational Perspective, Tanner B. Gordon

Theses and Dissertations

Materials that can withstand higher temperatures are paramount for next-generation aircraft design. Hypersonic capabilities and jet-turbine engines operate in extreme environments. Choosing materials that have high thermal stability and oxidation resistance for these applications can increase engine efficiency, reduce size, weight and power (SWaP), and increase the maneuverability of the aircraft. The mixed oxide CrTaO4 has been experimentally observed to significantly contribute to oxidation resistance at high temperatures. However, and despite its significance, its properties remain largely unknown. This work explores the thermal properties of this material from a multi-scale approach, by obtaining an accurate description of the thermodynamics …


Experimental And Computational Bearing Strength Of Fiber Metal Laminate With And Without Film Adhesive, Christopher L. Bellanova Jr. Mar 2023

Experimental And Computational Bearing Strength Of Fiber Metal Laminate With And Without Film Adhesive, Christopher L. Bellanova Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This research characterized the performance of a fiber metal laminate composed of carbon fiber and stainless steel without film adhesive and compared it to a similar, previously tested, fiber metal laminate including film adhesive. Removal of the adhesive layers reduced the localized thickness, simplified manufacturing, and allowed for a 20% increase in foil thickness. Quasi-static testing was conducted in double shear, single shear protruding, and single shear countersunk configurations. The results were compared to adhesive hybrid and control samples. To study the affects of bolt tension, samples at low torque in double shear were also tested. Progressive failure samples revealed …


Mechanical Properties And Performance Of A Novel Nano-Engineered Unitized Composite With Quasi-Isotropic Layup, Brian Matthew Pudlo Mar 2023

Mechanical Properties And Performance Of A Novel Nano-Engineered Unitized Composite With Quasi-Isotropic Layup, Brian Matthew Pudlo

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit outstanding mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties, but are a challenge to effectively implement into macroscopic composites for aerospace applications. This research investigates the mechanical properties and performance of a newly developed hybrid NanoStitch composite, alongside a control polymer matrix composite, at room temperature. Both composite material systems investigated in this work have quasi-isotropic layup. Monotonic tension-tofailure, tension-tension fatigue, and creep tests were performed to characterize the performance of the composites under cyclic and sustained loading. Experimental results obtained for the quasi-isotropic NanoStitch composite were compared to those obtained for the quasi-isotropic control composite. The properties and …


Effects Of A Nitrogen And Hydrogen Build Atmosphere On The Properties Of Additively Manufactured Tungsten, Dana C. Madsen Mar 2022

Effects Of A Nitrogen And Hydrogen Build Atmosphere On The Properties Of Additively Manufactured Tungsten, Dana C. Madsen

Theses and Dissertations

Additively manufactured tungsten was printed in pure nitrogen, nitrogen-2.5% hydrogen, and nitrogen-5% hydrogen atmospheres as part of a 2^3 full factorial designed experiment and subjected to room temperature and high-temperature three-point-bend testing, chemical analysis, hardness testing, and microstructural imaging techniques. The pure nitrogen specimens exhibited the highest strength and ductility at both high temperature and room temperature. Chemical analysis showed a 2-8x reduction in compositional oxygen relative to unprocessed powder. Hardness values for all samples was between 306.8 and 361.5 HV1. It is proposed that adding hydrogen into the build atmosphere reduced the available energy density for tungsten melting by …


Investigation Of Additively Manufactured Molybdenum-Tungsten-Rhenium Alloys, Randolph T. Abaya Mar 2022

Investigation Of Additively Manufactured Molybdenum-Tungsten-Rhenium Alloys, Randolph T. Abaya

Theses and Dissertations

The process of creating metal components through additive manufacturing is changing the way different industries can avoid the shortcomings of traditional metal production. Metals such as tungsten, molybdenum, and rhenium have many advantages for different applications, especially when alloyed together. In this study, an additively manufactured alloy containing 70% molybdenum, 25% tungsten, and 5% rhenium (70Mo-25W-5Re) is tested for its strength, ductility, hardness, and porosity. The 70Mo-25W-5Re alloy is printed through Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) under different conditions such as printing speed and printing atmosphere. Additionally, the effects of post printing heat treatment are conducted to understand the advantages …


Thermal Relaxation Of Shot Peen Induced Residual Stresses In A Nickel-Base Superalloy, Bryce E. Van Velson Mar 2022

Thermal Relaxation Of Shot Peen Induced Residual Stresses In A Nickel-Base Superalloy, Bryce E. Van Velson

Theses and Dissertations

Shot peening induces compressive residual stresses in components that positively influence fatigue life. Thermal and mechanical loading causes those residual stresses to relax. The hole drilling method and xray diffraction is used to measure the thermal relaxation of residual stresses in the nickel-base superalloy ME3.


Creep Behavior And Deformation Mechanisms Of Spark Plasma Sintered Oxide Ceramics For Aerospace Systems At 1300˚C - 1400˚C, David D. Swanson Dec 2021

Creep Behavior And Deformation Mechanisms Of Spark Plasma Sintered Oxide Ceramics For Aerospace Systems At 1300˚C - 1400˚C, David D. Swanson

Theses and Dissertations

The mechanical behavior of YAG and LuAG was investigated at elevated temperatures. The specific materials investigated in this work include high-purity, polycrystalline YAG, high-purity, polycrystalline LuAG, and two doped variants of YAG: 2at% Yb-doped, polycrystalline YAG and 2at% Er-doped, polycrystalline YAG. Several billets of each material were prepared and processed by means of spark plasma sintering (SPS). Many different sintering parameters were utilized in order to obtain materials with various physical properties and to identify the effects of sintering parameters on the average grain size of the resulting materials. The compressive creep behavior of these materials was investigated at 1300°C …


Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Lattices Under High Strain Rate Impact, Derek G. Spear Sep 2021

Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Lattices Under High Strain Rate Impact, Derek G. Spear

Theses and Dissertations

Several additively manufactured lattice designs and configurations were evaluated under compression loads under various strain rates from quasi-static to highly dynamic. These experiments examined how the mechanical behavior of the lattice changed based on the lattice design properties and the applied strain rates. The modulus of elasticity, yield strength, plateau stress, and toughness were observed to decrease with an increase in strain rate, revealing that the lattice designs exhibit a negative strain rate sensitivity. A new lattice flow stress model was developed to account for the mechanical response of the lattice and was incorporated into a computational model for simulation. …


Design And Analysis Of Air-Stiffened Vacuum Lighter-Than-Air Structures, Ruben Adorno-Rodriguez Mar 2021

Design And Analysis Of Air-Stiffened Vacuum Lighter-Than-Air Structures, Ruben Adorno-Rodriguez

Theses and Dissertations

Lighter-than-air (LTA) systems have been developed for numerous applications and have taken several forms. Airships, aerostats, blimps, and balloons are all part of this family of systems, which uses Archimedes principle to achieve neutral and positive buoyancy in air by replacing an air volume with LTA gases. These lifting gases stiffen the otherwise compliant envelope structures, allowing them to sustain the pressure difference brought by the displaced air. The compliance of these structures is a byproduct of the weight requirement, materials and geometrical arrangement of which these structures are built from, typically resulting in dimensionalities that exhibit low or virtually …


Static Fatigue Of Hi-Nicalon™ S Ceramic Fiber Tows At 600°C In Air And Silicic Acid-Saturated Steam, Caleigh M. Nelson Mar 2021

Static Fatigue Of Hi-Nicalon™ S Ceramic Fiber Tows At 600°C In Air And Silicic Acid-Saturated Steam, Caleigh M. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have the potential to be utilized in applications such as hypersonic vehicles, aircraft leading edges, hot sections of engines, and rocket nozzles. Of particular interest are advanced SiC/SiC composites that can withstand the elevated temperatures and harsh oxidizing environments while maintaining their properties and structural integrity under an applied load. Steam, a major component of combustion environment, is one such aggressive oxidizing environment. As steam passes through the SiC/SiC composite, entering the composite interior through the cracks in the SiC matrix, it becomes saturated with silicic acid, Si(OH)4. Before incorporating SiC/SiC composites in the …


Fatigue Of Two Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites At 1200°C In Air And In Steam. Effect Of Diamond Drilled Effusion Holes, Anthony R. Cabri Mar 2021

Fatigue Of Two Oxide/Oxide Ceramic Matrix Composites At 1200°C In Air And In Steam. Effect Of Diamond Drilled Effusion Holes, Anthony R. Cabri

Theses and Dissertations

The tension-tension fatigue behavior of two oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) was investigated at 1200°C in laboratory air and steam. Both composites consist of a porous oxide matrix reinforced with laminated, woven mullite/alumina (NextelTM720) fibers. The first composite had an alumina matrix, while the second had an alumina-mullite matrix. First, we assessed the effects of incorporating mullite into the matrix material on fatigue performance by studying the tension-tension fatigue behavior of alumina-mullite matrix CMC. Second, we evaluated the effects of effusion holes on the alumina matrix CMC's fatigue performance. Specimens containing an array of 17 effusion holes of 0.5-mm diameter …


Hexakis Icosahedron Frame-Skin Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Brian Cranston, Anthony N. Palazotto Nov 2020

Hexakis Icosahedron Frame-Skin Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Brian Cranston, Anthony N. Palazotto

AFIT Patents

A vacuum lighter than air vehicle (VLTAV) includes a rigid frame of rods connected together to form a hexakis icosahedron. A membrane skin covers the rigid frame and defines therewith a vessel configured to hold an internal vacuum that allows the vessel to float in the air. The plurality of rods and membrane skin have weights and dimensions that result in a neutral and/or positive buoyancy for the vessel while preventing geometric instability.


Structural Dynamic And Inherent Damping Characterization Of Additively Manufactured Airfoil Components, Andrew W. Goldin Mar 2020

Structural Dynamic And Inherent Damping Characterization Of Additively Manufactured Airfoil Components, Andrew W. Goldin

Theses and Dissertations

The push for low cost and higher performance/efficient turbine engines have introduced a new demand for novel technologies to improve robustness to vibrations resulting in High Cycle Fatigue (HCF). There have been many proposed solutions to this, some passive and some active. With the advent of Additive Manufacturing (AM), new damping techniques can now be incorporated directly into the design and manufacture process to suppress the vibrations that create HCF. In this study, this novel unfused pocket damping technology is applied to a blade structure and the resulting damping effectiveness is quantified. The application of this technology to complex geometries …


Laser Shock Peening Pressure Impulse Determination Via Empirical Data-Matching With Optimization Software, Colin C. Engebretsen Mar 2020

Laser Shock Peening Pressure Impulse Determination Via Empirical Data-Matching With Optimization Software, Colin C. Engebretsen

Theses and Dissertations

Laser shock peening (LSP) is a form of work hardening by means of laser induced pressure impulse. LSP imparts compressive residual stresses which can improve fatigue life of metallic alloys for structural use. The finite element modeling (FEM) of LSP is typically done by applying an assumed pressure impulse, as useful experimental measurement of this pressure impulse has not been adequately accomplished. This shortfall in the field is a current limitation to the accuracy of FE modeling, and was addressed in the current work. A novel method was tested to determine the pressure impulse shape in time and space by …


Piezoelectric Sensor Crack Detection On Airframe Systems, Kevin J. Lin Mar 2019

Piezoelectric Sensor Crack Detection On Airframe Systems, Kevin J. Lin

Theses and Dissertations

In 2008, the Department of Defense published a guidebook for a methodology named Condition-Based Maintenance Plus (CBM+) which capabilities include improving productivity, shortening maintenance cycles, lowering costs, and increasing availability and reliability. This push replaces existing inspection criteria, often conducted as non-destructive testing (NDT), with structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. The SHM system addressed utilizes guided Lamb waves generated by piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) to detect the existence, size, and location of damage from through-thickness cracks around a rivet hole. The SHM field lacks an experiment testing how small changes in receiver sensor distances affect damage detection. In addition, …


Initial Stage Of Fluid-Structure Interaction Of A Celestial Icosahedron Shaped Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Dustin P. Graves Mar 2019

Initial Stage Of Fluid-Structure Interaction Of A Celestial Icosahedron Shaped Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle, Dustin P. Graves

Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of a celestial icosahedron geometry is considered as a potential design for a Vacuum Lighter than Air Vehicle (VLTAV). The goal of the analysis is ultimately to understand the initial fluid-structure interaction of the VLTAV and the surrounding airflow. Up to this point, previous research analyzed the celestial icosahedron VLTAV in relation to withstanding a symmetric sea-level pressure applied to the membrane of the structure. This scenario simulates an internal vacuum being applied in the worst-case atmospheric environmental condition. The next step in analysis is to determine the aerodynamic effects of the geometry. The experimental setup for obtaining …


Thermal Management Of Satellite Electronics Via Gallium Phase Change Heat Sink Devices, Brian O. Palmer Dec 2018

Thermal Management Of Satellite Electronics Via Gallium Phase Change Heat Sink Devices, Brian O. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of additively manufactured heat sinks using gallium as a phase change material in the thermal management of satellite electronics. A design was created based on the footprint of an Astronautical Development, LLC Lithium 1 UHF radio and six heat sinks were additively manufactured; two each of stainless steel 316, Inconel 718, and ULTEM 9085. Each heat sink was filled with gallium for testing purposes. Models were created to simulate the behavior of the heat transfer and phase change processes occurring within the heat sink. Additionally, laboratory data was …


Carbon Nanotube Fibers: Mechanical Behavior And The Effects Of The Space Environment, Ryan A. Kemnitz Dec 2018

Carbon Nanotube Fibers: Mechanical Behavior And The Effects Of The Space Environment, Ryan A. Kemnitz

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanotube materials are promising multifunctional materials for incorporation into aerospace structures because of their high tensile strength, high electrical conductivity, and low density. This research aimed to characterize the mechanical failure mechanisms of carbon nanotube fibers and examine the effects of the space environment on their material properties. Tensile tests were conducted at varying strain rates and on fibers of varying gage lengths to examine the underlying molecular failure mechanisms and impact of defects on fiber strength. Tensile strength and elastic modulus were observed to increase with increasing strain rate and decrease with increasing gage lengths. The observed effects …


Effects Of Manufacturing Process Variables On Ultrasonic Testing In Electron Beam Melted Ti-6al-4v, Andrew D. Durkee Mar 2018

Effects Of Manufacturing Process Variables On Ultrasonic Testing In Electron Beam Melted Ti-6al-4v, Andrew D. Durkee

Theses and Dissertations

Further research on validating additive manufacturing production quality is required before the realization of direct print-to-fly application of critical components. This research examines the response of ultrasonic testing as a function of various manufacturing variables in electron beam melted samples of Ti-6Al-4V. Four dimensionally identical blocks with 6 spherical voids at varying depths were manufactured using different combinations of stock powder, edge treatments, and void melting. Scans were completed on two sides of each specimen with the transducer focused on the mid-plane. Additionally, one specimen was scanned 6 times, with the focal plane adjusted for each scan to match the …


Creep Of Hafnium Diboride -20 Vol% Silicon Carbide At 1500°C In Air, Glen E. Pry Mar 2018

Creep Of Hafnium Diboride -20 Vol% Silicon Carbide At 1500°C In Air, Glen E. Pry

Theses and Dissertations

Refractory metal borides, commonly referred to as Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs), exhibit a number of unique properties, such as extremely high melting temperature and hardness, chemical stability, high electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. It has been demonstrated that the addition of SiC improves the oxidation resistance of ZrB2- and HfB2-based UHTCs above 1200°C by modifying the composition of the oxide scale. Addition of SiC retards the oxidation rate of ZrB2 and HfB2 by forming a protective layer of borosilicate glass. Creep deformation is one of the critical criterion for structural application of ceramics at elevated temperatures. Compression …


A Study Of The Hexakis Icosahedron Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle And The Effects Of Air Evacuation On The Structural Integrity, Anthony A. Castello Mar 2018

A Study Of The Hexakis Icosahedron Vacuum Lighter Than Air Vehicle And The Effects Of Air Evacuation On The Structural Integrity, Anthony A. Castello

Theses and Dissertations

The research this paper focuses on is comparing the structural differences between the icosahedron and hexakis icosahedron frame and skin for use as a vacuum lighter than air vehicle (VLTAV), analyzing the stress concentrations in the hexakis icosahedron both with and without the skin, and finding the optimal location and size of the air evacuation method for creating the internal vacuum. Previous research to date has identified dynamic loading on the structure and optimization of the structure, but this will be the first research to analyze the manufacturing of the structure through the development of the air evacuation design. Findings …


Study Of Abnormal Grain Growth In Beta Annealed Ti-6al-4v Forgings, Lee R. Morris Mar 2018

Study Of Abnormal Grain Growth In Beta Annealed Ti-6al-4v Forgings, Lee R. Morris

Theses and Dissertations

Beta annealed Ti-6Al-4V has been used extensively in current aerospace platforms due to properties such as high strength to weight ratio. Recent inspections during aircraft production have revealed regions of excessive grain sizes, resulting in quarantined parts and excessive time spent on root cause analysis and risk mitigation efforts. Uncertainty surrounding these parts has led to increased costs and may cause future aircraft production delays. Part manufacturers have intermittently reported problems with abnormal grain growth in these alloys for years, but to date no supplier has been able to determine the source of this microstructural phenomenon. Leveraging common Finite Element …


Aerial Port Of The Future: Developing Paperless Operations, Peter J. Williams Mar 2018

Aerial Port Of The Future: Developing Paperless Operations, Peter J. Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Air Mobility Command (AMC) is combatting manning mismatches with antiquated processes and equipment in Aerial Port operations, and has chosen to address these issues through an initiative called “Aerial Port of the Future.” This initiative is designed to understand challenges in Aerial Ports and implement technological tools, where appropriate, to aid AMC Airmen in their duties of transporting goods and personnel through military channels. Oftentimes, personnel are forced to utilize technology that may not meet their needs, and in turn may resist implementation of the imposed technology. Therefore, first, this research identifies potential technologies designed to improve Aerial Port efficiency …


Stressed Oxidation Of Hafnium Diboride In Air At 1500°C, Thomas A. Bowen Mar 2017

Stressed Oxidation Of Hafnium Diboride In Air At 1500°C, Thomas A. Bowen

Theses and Dissertations

Hypersonic vehicles with narrow airfoils produce thin boundary layers and shock temperatures in excess of 2000°C, exceeding the operating limits of traditional aerospace materials. The use of ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) allows for operating temperatures far exceeding those of metallic alloys. One such UHTC is hafnium diboride (HfB2). Transition metal diborides generally experience significant oxidation degradation at elevated temperatures. The use of additives, such as silicon carbide (SiC) has been shown to reduce the oxidation of transition metal diborides. This research focused on the compressive creep of HfB2 with varying amounts of SiC in air at 1500°C. …