Tensile properties and damage evolution in a 3D C/SiC composite at cryogenic temperatures

► The cryogenic behaviors of C/SiC were investigated systematically in this study. ► The non-linear damage of C/SiC exhibits at cryogenic, as well as that in normal temperatures. ► The tensile strength weakened most at −40 °C, while that will recovered at −100 °C. ► The interface damage model based on CTE mismatch of C/SiC was proposed and was analyzed through FEA.