Modeling of flexural behavior of continuous fiber ceramic composites

The flexural behavior of 2-D continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composites (CFCC) is modeled using a finite element analysis. This model extends the analysis of Steif and Trojnacki to account for the effect of the weak interlaminar properties of most 2-D CFCCs on their flexural behavior. The model predictions confirm the findings of Steif and Trojnacki that the slope of the slow decaying tail which arises from fiber pull-out and that would be observed experimentally in the tensile stress-strain curve when the test is conducted under displacement-controlled loading conditions is the most influential parameter in the difference between tensile and `flexural strengths'. The model predictions are used to explain the difference between tensile and `flexural strengths' and to assess the effect of specimen geometry (e.g. span and specimen thickness) on the bending behavior of 2-D CFCCs.