Abstract
In this paper, a multi-scale finite element modeling approach is adopted to predict the degradation of through-thickness thermal diffusivity of a ceramic matrix composite under uniaxial load. A tow model is constructed to predict its thermal conductivities for three different cases: (i) virgin tow, (ii) tow containing matrix cracks, and (iii) tow containing matrix cracks with different number of debonding fibers. These values of thermal conductivities are then incorporated into the composite unit cell to predict the degradation of thermal diffusivity of the composite with damage. The modeling results are in good agreement with the experimental results and the deviations are within the bounds of numerical error of 5%.