Damage development and lifetime prediction of cross-ply ceramic-matrix composites subjected to cyclic loading at room and elevated temperatures

Abstract

In this paper, the damage development and lifetime prediction of fibre-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites subjected to cyclic loading at elevated temperatures in oxidising atmosphere have been investigated. Considering the damage mechanisms of matrix cracking, interface debonding, interface wear and interface oxidation, the damage evolution of fatigue hysteresis dissipated energy, fatigue hysteresis modulus, fatigue peak strain, interface shear stress and broken fibres fraction have been analysed. The relationships between damage parameters and internal damage of matrix cracking, interface debonding and slipping, and fibres fracture have been established. The experimental fatigue hysteresis, interface slip lengths, peak strain, and the fatigue life curves of cross-ply CMCs under cyclic loading at elevated temperature have been predicted. The different fatigue behaviour in unidirectional and cross-ply CMCs at room and elevated temperatures subjected to low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue has been discussed.