Inhomogeneous Strain Distribution in SiCf/SiC Coupons Under Tensile Loading

The complex structural architecture and inherent processing artefacts within ceramic matrix composites combine to induce inhomogeneous deformation and damage prior to ultimate failure. Bulk measurements of strain via extensometry or even localised strain gauging will fail to characterise such inhomogeneity when performing conventional mechanical testing on laboratory scaled coupons. The current research project has, therefore, applied digital image correlation (DIC) techniques to the room temperature axial assessment of a SiCf/SiC composite under static and ratchetted loading.As processed SiCf/SiC panels were subjected to detailed X-ray computed tomography (XCT) inspection prior to specimen extraction and subsequent mechanical testing. In situ DIC strain measurements were taken throughout the period of room temperature monotonic and ratchet style tensile tests. Contemporary acoustic emission (AE) signals were also recorded to indicate significant damage events and the onset of ultimate failure. Data from these separate monitoring techniques were correlated to indicate the sensitivity or otherwise to pre-existing artefacts within the as received CMC panels