Relationships between Hysteresis Measurements and the Constituent Properties of Ceramic Matrix Composites: I, Theory

A methodology for assessing constituent properties of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) from stress/strain curves is developed. The procedures demonstrate how the properties of the interface and the misfit strain can be related to the unload/reload hysteresis and the permanent strain. The approach is illustrated in companion papers by obtaining experimental measurements on two CMCs. The results demonstrate why differences in the sliding stress and the debond energy of the interfaces result in substantial changes in the shape of the stress/strain curve.