UKAEA-CCFE-PR(26)438
Fibers-PyC interfacial properties through push-out FEM models
Silicon carbide (SiC) has attractive properties to be used in nuclear reactors and other industries. However, itis hampered by inherent brittleness that is overcome with a fiber-reinforced composite. A finite element modelbased on cohesive zone contact coupled to Coulomb friction is proposed to simulate the pushout responseof isolated fibers in SiCf/PyC/SiCm ceramic matrix composites. The model reproduces the measurementsobtained during push-out experiments of isolated fibers in different configurations and predicts an interfacialfailure between the PyC interphase and fiber. The brittle properties predicted coincide with literature andwould prevent the crack propagation through the fiber, fulfilling the function of the structure.