Coulomb friction controlled bridging stresses and crack resistance of ceramic matrix composites

Bridging stresses in ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are calculated taking into account the effect of Poisson contraction of fibre and matrix during loading and a two parameter Weibull distribution of fibre strength. A parameter study is performed in order to assess the influence of the constituent properties. The bridging stress curve provides the link from the micromechanical analysis to the prediction of macroscopic composite behaviour. The load-deflection behaviour of pre-notched CMC specimens is derived by application of the method of weight functions. The predictions are compared with experimental results giving information about the actual properties of the material. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.