STATISTICAL-ANALYSIS OF FAILURE OF SIC FIBERS IN THE PRESENCE OF BIMODAL FLAW POPULATIONS

Statistical parameters pertinent to silicon carbide fibres were estima ted from experimental distributions of failure data (including strengt hs and strains) using the linear regression and maximum likelihood est imators. Strengths were evaluated using the average diameters of fibre s, diameters at failure locations measured by SEM, and taking into acc ount the diameter variations along the fibre axis, as evidenced by las er diffractometry. It was shown that gauge-length insensitive statisti cal parameters were estimated when considering that fibre fracture was dictated by two populations of partially concurrent flaw populations, including intrinsic and extrinsic flaws.