Microstructure Characterization and Effective Elastic Properties of Carbon/Carbon Composites

Abstract

In this research, the effective elastic properties of C/C composites are evaluated using FEA-based homogenization technique. The FEA-based homogenization procedure is carried out by generating a Representative Volume Element (RVE). The features in the microstructure are observed with the help of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. A detailed study on the SEM images of C/C composites is carried out. The microstructure of C/C composite consists of carbon fibers and carbon matrix. The details obtained from the microstructure are used to generate the RVE of the C/C composite. Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) algorithm is employed to insert the carbon fibers inside the RVE model. Periodic boundary conditions are imposed on the RVE model, and six different far-field strains are applied on the RVE. For each case of far-field strains, the effective response of the RVE model is evaluated. The effective elastic properties of C/C composites are obtained by combining the volume-averaged stresses of the RVE for each case of far-field strains. The results from the numerical study are compared with those from the Mori–Tanaka method. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.