Probabilistic-statistical approach to matrix damage and stress–Strain behavior of 2-D woven SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites

Abstract

The matrix damage evolution in a 2-D SiC/SiC composite reinforced with fabrics of fiber bundles was predicted from properties of basic constituents using a finite element analysis of failure probabilities. Failure probabilities were computed using a finite element post processor including the multiaxial elemental strength model for handling fracture statistics under multiaxial stress-states. The associated stress–strain behavior of the selected elementary cell was derived from the stress analysis. The predicted matrix damage evolution was found in good agreement with that identified by microscopy on practical 2-D SiC/SiC woven composites under tension. The predicted stress–strain behavior and Young’s moduli compared satisfactorily with the experimental data. The approach was then applied to a cell of fully dense 2-D woven SiC/SiC composite under tension, and then to a cell of conventional 2-D woven SiC/SiC composite subject to a gradient of forces.