Compression and deformation mechanisms of a fiber-reinforced SiO₂ aerogel composite

Compression and creep tests were carried out at room and high temperatures under the characteristic load of thermal protection system. Results show that the compression curve of the aerogel composite can be divided into three stages: linear stage, yielding stage and densification stage. The composite performs higher strength and fracture strain comparing with pure SiO₂ aerogel. There is obvious creep deformation at room and high temperatures. The room temperature creep history in 240 h can be divided into three stages, in the third of which (i.e. after 168 h) the creep strain does not increase. The microstructures of specimens before creep, after heated and after creep were compared. It is found that the densification of aerogel matrix is the main reason for the sample shrinkage, as well as the creep behavior.