Characterization and modeling of transverse micro-cracking during pyrolysis process of carbon fiber reinforced plastics

The paper presents characterization and modeling of generation of cracks during pyrolysis process of manufacturing of C/C-SiC material. Crack patterns during pyrolysis strongly depend on the fiber/matrix interface strength and temperature. In order to model the exact crack pattern as in the material, fiber/matrix interface strength was taken as a varying parameter and temperature change boundary conditions were applied on a virtual microstructure (50 x 50 mu m(2)). The resulting crack pattern is then compared with SEM images of material with high and low fiber/matrix interface strength. The presented models are successfully able to simulate the material behavior and the consequent generation of cracks during pyrolysis process. Microstructure of the material has been then analyzed with the help of image segmentation techniques using Python. Based on the crack area distribution obtained from the SEM-analysis, microstructures can now be compared qualitatively as well as quantitatively.