Tensile mastercurve of ceramic matrix composites: significance and implications for modelling

The concept of a tensile mastercurve which uniquely represents the mechanical response to time-independent tensile loading is presented. It is shown how the mastercurve can be determined from individual tensile tests with unloading–reloading cycles, and how it provides a rationalisation of both the temperature dependence and the scatter in tensile behaviour. Implications for modelling of the mechanical behaviour are outlined.