Multi-objective ceramic matrix composite material design using the variable fidelity model management optimization framework

Abstract

The increasing computational requirements of advanced numerical tools for simulating material behaviour can prohibit direct integration of these tools in a design optimization procedure where multiple iterations are required. Therefore, a design approach is needed that can incorporate multiple simulations (multi-physics with different input variables) of varying fidelity in an iterative model management framework that can significantly reduce design cycle times. In this research, a material design tool based on a variable fidelity model management framework is applied to obtain the optimal size of a second phase, consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) fibres, in a silicon-nitride (Si₃N₄) matrix to obtain continuous fibre SiC-Si₃N₄ ceramic composites (CFCCs) with maximum high temperature strength and high temperature creep resistance. This investigation shows how models with different dimensions and input design variables can be handled and integrated efficiently by the trust region model management framework, while significantly reducing design cycle times in application to the design of multiphase composite materials.

Keywords:

• ceramic matrix composite
• multi-objective optimization
• multi-physics
• scaling
• variable fidelity

Acknowledgements

This research effort was supported in part by the following grants and contracts: a grant from the United States Department of Energy (DoE: DE-FG26-07NT43072), a National Science Foundation (NSF: CMMI 0700730) grant and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACyT, México).