Selected issues of mechanics of ceramic matrix composites

This paper presents four different problems of ceramic matrix composites (C MC) with matrix cracks. They include an evaluation of material constants an d the stiffness matrix of a unidirectional lamina with bridging cracks. A n onlinear stress-strain relationship for a lamina subjected to an increasing uniaxial tension is derived accounting for the process of a continuous cra ck density change. Forced and free vibrations of woven ceramic matrix beams with matrix cracks are also considered by assumption that the dynamic stre sses are sufficiently small to neglect their effect on the stiffness. Final ly, theoretical foundations of thermography for a woven ceramic matrix beam are discussed and a closed-form solution for the surface temperature prese nted as a function of the matrix crack spacing and other parameters, (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.