Plasticity of a two-phase composite with partially debonded inclusions (Q1357279)

The authors study the effective elastoplastic behavior of a two-phase composite consisting of partially debonded elastic inclusions and a ductile matrix, by the method of homogenization. Two types of partial debonding configurations are considered: the first is on the top and bottom of the aligned oblate inclusions, and the other is on the lateral surface of the prolate ones, with special reference to spherical inclusions for both types of debonding. The transversely isotropic elastoplastic properties of partially debonded composite are found to be highly dependent on the debonding mode and on the volume concentration and shape of inclusions. A damage mechanics based on Weibull's statistical function is also proposed to study the progressive partial debonding of the initially bonded composite under pure tension and under biaxial tension, respectively, for these two types of partial debonding. It is found that the interfacial strength, particle concentration, inclusion shape and debonding mode all play significant role in the overall response of the heterogeneous system during the progressive debonding process.