Delamination failure in ceramic matrix composites: Numerical predictions and experiments

The cohesive-zone finite element approach is used to predict initiation and propagation of delamination in relatively complex ceramic matrix composite sub-elements. Two different generic attachment sub-elements are analyzed and tested under applied uniaxial load. Pre-test analyses predict that delamination initiation and growth are the predominant failure mechanism for both of the sub-elements. Experimental results confirm the finite element predictions, and a good qualitative and quantitative agreement is found between the two.