Deformation of an inclusion in a viscous matrix and induced stress concentrations (Q1064108)

The strain rates and stresses developed within and around an elliptical (resp. spheroidal) inclusion embedded in a viscous matrix are determined for a prescribed plane (resp. axially symmetric) strain at infinity. An exact solution is derived for a linearly viscous matrix, providing analytical expressions for the strain rates and stresses within the whole material. In the more general case of a power-law viscous matrix, a variational approach based on the above velocity field is proposed. The inclusion strain rate ratios obtained in this way are compared with finite element results and experimental data from the literature. Finally, the induced stress concentrations at the inclusion-matrix interface are described in detail and discussed in connection with the problem of damage initiation.