New evaluation method of crack growth in SiC/SiC composites using interface elements

Crack propagation behavior in SiC/SiC composites was analyzed using a new c omputer simulation method that included time-dependent interface elements. The simulation method was used to describe the time-dependent crack growth in SiC/SiC composites under four-point bending of single-edge-notched beam bend-bars. Two methods were used to simulate time-dependent crack growth in SiC/SiC composites due to fiber creep. In one method, the creep property w as introduced into the interface elements by the general method of finite e lement method (FEM) analysis. In the second method, a new technique making the best use of the potential function was used to represent crack closure tractions due to creeping fibers. The stage-II slow crack growth of a gener al creep deformation was simulated by both methods. Additionally, stage-III crack growth and the transition from stage-II to stage-III could be simula ted by the new method. The new method has the potential to completely simul ate time-dependent crack growth behavior in SiC/SiC composites due to fiber creep. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.