Damage in Ceramic Matrix Composites With Arbitrary Microstructures

Abstract

It has been well-recognized that the fiber spatial distribution in a continuous fiber-reinforced (CFR) composite has a significant effect on the transverse behavior of the composite. In this study, quantitative microscopy in conjunction with finite element analysis are used to study the effects of fiber distribution on damage initiation in a unidirectional composite under a uniaxial loading transverse to the fibers.