Computational modeling of damage evolution in unidirectional fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (Q1368084)

A finite element simulation using cohesive elements is used to study the deformation of fiber reinforced composites. Parametric studies of the interface strength and toughness and of the matrix toughness are performed on short unit cell models. It is found that strong interfaces lead to high stress concentrations in the fiber. In such situations, catastrophic brittle failure would occur since the matrix crack propagates through the fiber and cannot be deflected on the interface. The matrix toughness has important effects on the onset of debonding, and on the trapping of the propagating matrix crack. Flaw initiation and propagation are studied in a long fiber-matrix unit cell. Compressive lobes from the matrix crack appear to inhibit the formation of debonds near the plane of the matrix crack, and away from this plane the matrix crack shear stresses dominate and the debonding mechanism is active. The simulations show that the debonding occurs before the matrix crack reaches the fiber-matrix interface.