Effect of Interface Mechanical Properties on Pullout in a SiC-Fiber-Reinforced Lithium Aluminum Silicate Glass-Ceramic

The pullout of fibers in the crack wake makes an important contribution to the toughness of ceramic‐matrix composites. The pullout is, in turn, influenced by the properties of the fibers and by the sliding resistance of the interface. Basic relationships governing the pullout are developed analytically and investigated experimentally using a lithium aluminum silicate/silicon carbide (LAS/SIC) composite subjected to various heat treatments. The experiments involve determining the strengths of single fibers and then measuring the pullout distributions. The results are used to provide a consistent view of the pullout process and related changes in mechanical properties.