ABSTRACT
Fiber–matrix interphase properties affect the composite response and the progressive fracture characteristics, including the appearance of matrix microcracks and evolution to structural fractures. A comprehensive life estimation methodology is developed simulating nonlinear structural degradation of ceramic matrix and other composites with fiber–matrix interphase regions. A hierarchical progressive failure analysis methodology is used to simulate the locations of cracking and failure distribution, life cycle predictions, degradation of a composite structure represented by the changes in natural frequency, instabilities associated with thermal buckling, damage progression, propagation to fracture and residual strength. Computational simulation is implemented via the integration of three modules: composite mechanics, finite element analysis, and damage progression tracking. The composite mechanics module is designed to analyze fiber composite structures with an updated composite mechanics theory. Interphase regions between the fiber and matrix phases are present in several types of composite structures.
