Effect of temperature on matrix multicracking evolution of C/SiC fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites

In this paper, the temperature-dependent matrix multicracking evolution of carbon-fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic-matrix composites (C/SiC CMCs) is investigated. The temperature-dependent composite microstress field is obtained by combining the shear-lag model and temperature-dependent material properties and damage models. The critical matrix strain energy criterion assumes that the strain energy in the matrix has a critical value. With increasing applied stress, when the matrix strain energy is higher than the critical value, more matrix cracks and interface debonding occur to dissipate the additional energy. Based on the composite damage state, the temperature-dependent matrix strain energy and its critical value are obtained. The relationships among applied stress, matrix cracking state, interface damage state, and environmental temperature are established. The effects of interfacial properties, material properties, and environmental temperature on temperature-dependent matrix multiple fracture evolution of C/SiC composites are analyzed. The experimental evolution of matrix multiple fracture and fraction of the interface debonding of C/SiC composites at elevated temperatures are predicted. When the interface shear stress increases, the debonding resistance at the interface increases, leading to the decrease of the debonding fraction at the interface, and the stress transfer capacity between the fiber and the matrix increases, leading to the higher first matrix cracking stress, saturation matrix cracking stress, and saturation matrix cracking density.