Micromechanical Analysis of Carbon/Carbon Composites with Pore Characterization

Abstract

In this study, the elastic properties of carbon/carbon (C/C) composite are computed by incorporating the presence of pores. Microstructure of C/C composites is analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The pores inside the C/C composite are characterized based on area, shape and dimensions. Thirty-six SEM images are analysed. Based on this analysis, a three-dimensional RVE of C/C composite is constructed. The number of pores, their size and spatial distribution in the RVE is given by the analysis. Carbon fibres inside the representative volume element (RVE) are generated using the random sequential adsorption algorithm (RSA). Once the model is generated, periodic boundary conditions are imposed on the RVE model using Python script in Abaqus CAE. Effective elastic properties of C/C composites are computed using the finite element analysis (FEA)-based homogenization method. The effect of pore size distribution on the elastic properties of C/C composite can be understood from this study. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.