Multi-scale pore model construction and damage behavior analysis of SiCf/SiC composite tubes

Abstract

SiCf/SiC composite materials are essential for spacecraft thermal protection, determining the safety of spacecraft. However, their complex structures and intricate fabrication processes have led to an unclear understanding of their failure mechanisms, limiting their application. In this study, circumferential compression experiments were conducted, and X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) was used to analyze the distribution characteristics of pore spaces. The experimental results indicate that damage manifests as secondary fracture phenomena based on temporal evolution characteristics. Specifically, after experiencing performance degradation of 24.73–60.96%, the material still maintained basic stability, exhibiting a performance recovery of 31.55–36.1% under the applied load until failure. To predict the dynamic damage behavior of materials at multiple scales, a multi-scale method combining statistical and microscopic approaches was proposed. A micro representative volume element (RVE) random fiber pore distribution model was established based on random processes and random medium theory. Finally, considering the CT data and the principle of minimum potential energy, a macroscopic finite element model of the micro-pores' structural characteristics in a three-dimensional wound tube was reconstructed. The results indicate that cracks initiate around pore defects and gradually propagate to form crack bands. The model closely matches the macroscopic damage and microscopic characteristics of the material. This work provides a new approach for the numerical simulation of pore defects in such materials.