Multiscale modeling of oxidative degradation of C-SiC composite

A multi-scale model has been developed for modeling thermal oxidation of ceramic matrix/carbon ber composites used in high temperature environments. The competition between transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the exposed carbon bers and the external environment is simulated using a mass conservation equation in the inert porous matrix. Oxidation at the scale of individual carbon bers is modeled using level set method and an adaptive meshing strategy. The recession of carbon ber at interfaces exposed to oxygen is simulated as a function of time using a coupled nite element methodology at various locations in a validated macroscopic model. The multi scale model allows study of stress-oxidation coupling and associated mechanical property degradation in C/SiC composites.