Multi-Scale and Multi-Physics Finite Element Modeling of Oxidation Degradation in C/C Ceramic Matrix Composites

Fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (FRCMCs) have been shown to retain exceptional thermal and mechanical properties at high temperatures in inert atmosphere. However, FRCMCs like carbon fiber reinforced carbon ceramic matrix composites (C/C CMCs) degrade rapidly at temperatures as low as 450oC in oxidizing environments due to the conversion of solid carbon to gaseous oxides of carbon. With a rising demand for composite material structures to perform in extreme environmental conditions involving high temperature gradients, the prediction of oxidation damage is crucial in designing such structures. In this paper, a multi-scale finite element analysis framework is presented to study the oxidation behavior of ceramic matrix composites.