Energy absorption in calcium aluminosilicate/SiC glass ceramic matrix composite tensile tests

An analysis is presented of the energy absorbed in a tensile test of a calcium aluminosilicate/Sic glass ceramic matrix composite based on the mechanical properties of the interface and the constituents. The results of the model are compared with those obtained in a set of 21 tensile tests. The strain energy density and the permanent strain have been measured in the tests, and the results are in good agreement with the theoretical approach. The relationship between the variability of micromechanical properties and the variability observed for the composite is studied, and the influence of the different fracture mechanisms is also discussed. It is concluded that the main failure mechanism, in terms of its contribution to the total energy absorption, is the interfacial debonding. Finally, the model permits the identification of the main causes responsible for the material variability, some of which might be controlled during the manufacturing process. MST/4041