Effect of Various Defects on Tensile Strength of C/SiC Composites: Experiments and Image-Based Finite Element Analysis

Due to the limitation of manufacturing techniques, voids, low density areas and wrinkle defects inevitably occur during the fabricating process of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). This study aims to reveal the effect of various defects (voids, low density areas and wrinkle defects) on the tensile strength of plain weave C/SiC composites. The micro-computed tomography (μ-CT) test was used to assess the quantity and distribution of defects within the material. Based on the μ-CT images, finite element models (IB-FEM) of the C/SiC composites with different defect types and contents were reconstructed. The tensile strength of plain weave C/SiC composites containing defects at different temperatures was obtained through experiments and simulations, demonstrating excellent consistency. The effect of different types and contents of defects on the tensile strength of C/SiC composites is investigated and discussed, which is of great significance to enhance understanding of the influence of defects on the mechanical behavior of CMCs.