Chapter 5 - Elevated temperature creep behavior of continuous fiber-reinforced ceramics

• Published in: High Temperature Mechanical Behaviour of Ceramic Composites pp. 193 - 259
• Main Authors: Holmes, J.W., Wu, Xin
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Butterworth-Heinemann 1995
• ISBN: 0750693991; 9780750693998
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-075069399-8/50006-2

This chapter discusses the current status of elevated-temperature research in the area of creep deformation of fiber-reinforced ceramics from theoretical and practical perspectives. The first part of the chapter addresses the theoretical analysis of creep behavior; a simple 1D model is used to provide insight into how the creep behavior of the constituents influences transient creep behavior and microstructural damage accumulation. In the second part of the chapter, a brief overview of the experimental techniques used to study creep behavior is provided, along with the results from selected experimental investigations that provide insight into creep behavior and microstructural damage modes. The third part of the chapter deals with the recent research into the cyclic creep behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramics. Finally, the results from analytical and experimental investigations of creep behavior are pulled together to provide practical guidelines for the microstructural design of creep-resistant composites. This discussion also highlights an important dilemma that exists in the microstructural design of fiber-reinforced composites. The microstructural parameters that are required for high monotonic toughness, such as low interfacial shear strength, matrix microcracking, and crack bridging by fibers, typically have a negative impact on creep and fatigue resistance.