Finite element modelling of thermal transport in ceramic matrix composites

Ceramic matrix composites, a modern day replacement for specialized material applications especially in aerospace and nuclear industries, involve expensive and elaborate infrastructure for characterization. An alternative is put forth for predicting their characteristics through finite element modelling of a representative unit cell. Their thermal transport behaviour has been modelled using a commercial FE code to conduct steady state and transient analyses on the unit cell. Homogenisation is achieved by bringing multi-phase thermal properties together at the unit cell level to represent an interactive macroscopic thermal behaviour. Manufacturing porosities identified earlier through SEM analyses have also been sequentially included in the modelling scheme with three sub-models, which lead to realistic thermal conductivity values for the final composite unit cell. Effect of subsequent mechanical damage has also been partially captured in the same process thereby extending the proposed scheme to include damage and its effect on thermal transport.