Numerical estimation and optimization of the fracture toughness in short-fibre ceramic matrix composites

Achieving greater engine efficiency by increasing gas temperatures is a key challenge set by the European Commission for the aerospace industry by 2050. However, traditional metal alloys may fail under such extreme conditions. Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) have emerged as a promising alternative, particularly short-fiber CMCs, which offer enhanced performance in components with complex geometries. This paper presents a novel computational framework to predict the fracture toughness of short-fiber CMCs based on the Coupled Criterion approach. The influence of various composite parameters has been systematically analyzed and validated against existing experimental data, demonstrating the model's reliability and potential as a robust design tool for next-generation aerospace applications.