Modeling of stress concentration in ceramic matrix composites

This paper describes a mechanistic modeling approach that attempts to capture the dominant micromechanical deformation and damage mechanisms in woven composites over the temperature and stress ranges relevant to gas turbine engine components. The model is incorporated into a finite-element framework and applied to analyze stress concentration at holes. The materials considered in this study are two-dimensional woven SiC/SiC and SiC/MAS composites. The results include the strain field near circular holes and global load-displacement behavior of the structure. In each case, the model predictions are compared with experimental measurements. Based on these comparisons, conclusions are drawn regarding the efficacy of the modeling approach and needs for further investigations are identified. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.