Prediction of Elastic Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composites Using a Plain Weave Classical Laminate Theory

An analytical technique using a plain weave classical laminate theory is used to predict the elastic properties of ceramic matrix woven fabric composites. The model uses the constituent material properties of the fiber, the interface, and the matrix. The analytical model is developed by considering a typical representative fabric element of the composite. Within this fabric element, a repeating unit, termed as unit cell is identified. An analytical procedure is developed to determine the elastic properties of a single plain weave fabric composite using the material properties of the constituents. These properties can be used to predict the elastic properties of ceramic laminates fabricated by stacking these plain weave plies at different orientations. The model is tested for a graphite/epoxy woven composite with known experimental results and also extended to woven Nicalona fiber-reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites with known experimental results. The developed model is able to predict both the modulii and Poisson's ratio which are close to the experimental values for the Nicalon/SiC system.