Effect of dispersions of fracture parameters on crack bifurcation behavior in ceramics matrix composite

Abstract

The self-healing fiber-reinforced ceramic material (shFRC) developed is a new functional material. When a micro-crack propagates in this material, self-healing occurs due to high-temperature oxidation. Then, the strength of the material recovers to its robust state since the micro-crack is re-bounded. However, to effectively demonstrate the self-healing function, we have to control a crack bifurcation. Therefore, the optimal composite design, in which the micro-crack is induced in the interface of the fiber, is one of key factors for developing shFRC. In this study, we investigate the crack propagation using the Finite Element Method (FEM) to consider with the dispersions of material parameter of ceramics due to sintering. Using FEM, we examine an ideal relationships of fracture parameters between fiber and interlayer and an ideal range of dispersion of porosity, pore size and grain size.