Evaluation of Residual Stresses in Ceramic Polymer Matrix Composites Using Finite Element Method

Composites are complex materials which comprise of multiple phases (components) of different thermal and mechanical properties. By combining such components, especially metals, ceramics, glasses, and polymers, one can produce new functional and construction materials with superior properties which could be tailored for the specific applications. However, due to mismatch in to the properties of their constituents, composite are prone to build-up of residual stresses. This is in particular true to the thermal stresses arising due to mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients. These thermal stresses might be generated either during manufacturing process, more precisely during the cooling from fabrication temperature, or due to thermal cycling in in-service conditions. They, in general, can improve the properties of the composites [1]. However, they can also have detrimental effect on their performance. This calls for their control over manufacturing and inservice conditions.