Fatigue damage modeling of ceramic-matrix composites: A short review

Abstract

Prediction of fatigue damage and fatigue life in fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites under thermomechanical loading is of critical importance in the reliability and safety design of advanced aerospace structures. This article presents a short review of the state of the art for the primary fatigue models in the fatigue life prediction of ceramic-matrix composites. Two kinds of fatigue models have been introduced: (a) phenomenological models, including fatigue life models, residual strength model, and residual stiffness model, and (b) progressive damage models correlated with macroscopic residual mechanical properties and mesoscopic damage mechanisms. Based on the literature review, the writer recommends that the most effective method for ceramic-matrix composites fatigue modeling is progressive damage models. Finally, the writer proposes to establish a progressive fatigue damage model associated with the service environment.