High temperature deformation and rupture in SiC-C composites

Creep studies have been performed on an SiC-C composite under flexural, compressive and tensile loading conditions. It has been found that the creep rates in all loadings are similar and consistent with deformation dominated by the fibers. The implication is that the C matrix is susceptible to extensive microcrack damage, causing all the stress to be borne by the fibers. The elevated stress on the fibers causes tensile creep rupture at small creep ductilities. This behavior has been attributed to slow crack growth in the fibers.