A meso-scale stochastic model for tensile behavior of 2D woven ceramic composites considering void defects and stacking mode

A sophisticated meso-scale model is developed based on finite element method to study the tensile failure behavior of 2D-SiC_f/SiC. To this end, a thoroughgoing characterization was carried out using SEM and micro-CT to obtain the microstructural parameters, and a progressive damage model related to matrix cracking was proposed for fiber tows to depict the matrix brittleness, an essential feature of ceramic matrix composites. Thereby, a sophisticated model comprehensively incorporating void defects, layer shifts and the damage induced by matrix cracking was established. Elaborate experimental tests including digital image correlation, acoustic emission (AE) and high-speed observation were synthetically conducted to validate this model, and results indicated that this model could provide an accurate prediction. Especially, micro and meso-scale damage modes were identified and the damage process was thoroughly analyzed by combing this model and AE technology. The numerical studies were then implemented to evaluate the effect of stacking mode and porosity.