The effect of interlayer materials on ceramic damage in SiC/Al composite structure

The effect of interlayer materials on the damage of ceramics in the SiC/Al composite structure was analyzed through experiments and simulation. Using 0.25 mm thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a reference, a 0.5 mm aramid fabric (AFRP) or a 0.5 mm carbon fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite (CFRP) was added to the interlayer, respectively. Through the impact tests, it was discovered that the ceramic damaged area in the TPU composite structure was severe. With the addition of AFRP, the damaged area of the ceramic layer was reduced by 73% under the same impact conditions. The addition of CFRP also reduced the damage of ceramics. The evolution process of the tensile stress on the ceramic rear surface was presented by simulation. The tensile evolution process analysis can explain the experimental phenomenon well and can be used to predict the damage of the ceramics.