Thermomechanical Behavior of Advanced SiC Fiber Multifilament Tows

In order to relate single fiber behavior to multiple fiber behavior in composites, fast-fracture tensile strength, creep, and stress-rupture studies were conducted on advanced SiC fiber multifilament tows in the temperature range from 20 to 1400 C in air as well as in inert environments. For conditions of small fiber creep (short times and low temperatures), the tow results of this study confirm the ability of limited single fiber data to model the strength behavior of multiple fibers in a bundle. For conditions of high creep (long times and high temperatures), further studies are needed to explain tow rupture behavior being better than average single fiber behavior.