COULOMB-FRICTION CONTROLLED BRIDGING STRESSES AND CRACK RESISTANCE OFCERAMIC-MATRIX COMPOSITES

Bridging stresses in ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are calculated ta king into account the effect of Poisson contraction of fibre and matri x during loading and a two parameter Weibull distribution of fibre str ength. A parameter study is performed in order to assess the influence of the constituent properties. The bridging stress curve provides the link from the micromechanical analysis to the prediction of macroscop ic composite behaviour. The load-deflection behaviour of pre-notched C MC specimens is derived by application of the method of weight functio ns. The predictions are compared with experimental results giving info rmation about the actual properties of the material. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.