Hysteresis loop model of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites under an arbitrary cyclic load

The microstructure of unidirectional fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites is described by a cylindrical unit cell that is then discretized by a set of friction elements. Equilibrium equations resulting from the displacement increment balance between the fiber and matrix are constructed and solved, and the distributions of stress and displacement are obtained. Interfacial debonding, fiber fracture and matrix cracking are considered to simulate the hysteresis loops. Finally, the method developed in this paper is employed to study the interfacial sliding and hysteresis loops of a SiC/CAS composite subjected to arbitrary cyclic load. The results are discussed and compared with experimental data.