Numerical simulation of oxidation-assisted failure of CMC-SIC at intermediate temperature

A numerical model is presented to predict the oxidation-assisted failure behaviors of continuous fiber-reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (CMC-SiC) at intermediate temperature. This model is based upon the analysis of the representative volume cell (RVC) of CMC-SiC. The geometric morphology of oxidized microstructure influenced by time and environment parameters is modeled in the RVC. The detailed stress distributions within the oxidized RVC microstructure are computed by finite element method, which are then used to predict the failure behaviors of composite. Micro (one single filament) CMC-SiC is concerned in the present study. Analysis results of such a composite can provide a guideline for the oxidation-assisted failure behaviors of real CMC-SiC. The failure behaviors of micro CMC-SiC in air oxidizing environment are evaluated and validated in comparison to experimental data.