Modeling of electromechanical behavior of woven SiC/SiC composites

A coupled electro-mechanical model was developed to predict the mechanical behavior of woven SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites and electrical resistance response to mechanical damages in the composites. The matrix is explicitly included in the model such that the matrix cracking and fiber break can be linked to the electrical resistance change during loading. The results show that the electrical resistance increases linearly with an increase of matrix crack density and the number of fiber breaks. The predictions are compared to the experimental results on 2D woven SiC/SiC ceramic composites. With proper materials parameters input, the models can accurately predict the stress–strain curve and electrical resistance change during the loading. The model is further compared to an analytical solution of electromechanical coupling to get an insight into the electrical–mechanical interaction mechanisms in the composites.