MODELLING MATRIX MULTI-CRACKING EVOLUTION OF FIBRE-REINFORCED CERAMIC-MATRIX COMPOSITES CONSIDERING FIBRE FRACTURE

In this paper, the matrix multi-cracking evolution of fibre-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) considering fibre fracture have been investigated using the critical matrix strain energy criterion. The shear-lag model combined with the fibre fracture model and fibre/matrix interface debonding criterion is adopted to analyse the fibre and matrix axial stress distribution inside the damaged composite. The effects of the fibre volume fraction, the fibre/matrix interface shear stress, the fibre/matrix interface debonded energy, the fibre Weibull modulus and the fibre strength on the stress-dependent matrix multi-cracking development are discussed. The experimental matrix multi-cracking evolution of the unidirectional SiC/CAS, SiC/CAS-II, SiC/SiC, SiC/Borosilicate and mini-SiC/SiC composites are predicted.