The effect of hydrostatic pressure and loading rate on compressive failure of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites

Abstract

The influence of hydrostatic confinement on compressive strength and corresponding failure mechanisms is explored for SiC-reinforced glass-ceramics tested at different strain rates. Two composite architectures (0° and 0°/90°) are studied, and their behavior is compared with that of monolithic glass-ceramic tested under similar conditions. Composite confined pressure results are interpreted in terms of fiber buckling under quasi-static conditions and fiber kinking at high pressures, and compared with monolithic (non-composite) microfracture coalescence at low pressures and shear band formation under more intense confinement. In particular, dilatational fracture within the matrix dominates composite failure at low pressures, while high pressures cause a transition to shear-dominated mechanisms based on fiber kinking.