The Effect of Weak Interface on Transverse Properties of a Ceramic Matrix Composite

Abstract

AbstractExperimental studies conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center on silicon carbide reaction-bonded silicon nitride composite system (SiC/RBSN) led to a significant observation regarding their unidirectional tensile properties. It was found that transverse stiffness and strength were much lower than those predicted from existing analytical models based on good interfacial bonding. Since the composite system was designed to have weakened interfaces to improve toughness, it was believed that these weakened interfaces were responsible for the decrease in transverse properties.To support this claim, a two dimensional finite element analysis was performed for a transverse representative volume element. Specifically, the effect of fiber/matrix displacement compatibility at the interface was studied under both tensile and compressive transverse loadings. Interface debonding was represented active gap elements connecting the fiber and matrix.The analyses show that the transverse tensile strength and stiffness are best predicted when a debonded interface is assumed for the composite. In fact, the measured properties can be predicted by simply replacing the fibers by voids. Thus, the following two conclusions are drawn from the present study: (1) little or no interfacial bonding exists in the SiC/RBSN composite; (2) an elastic analysis can predict the transverse stiffness and strength.