Analysis of Crack-Tip Field of Particulate-Reinforced Composites Taking Account of Particle Size Effect and Debonding Damage

This paper deals with an analysis of a crack-tip field of particulate-reinforced composites which can describe the evolution of debonding damage, matrix plasticity and particle size effect on deformation and damage. Numerical analyses were carried out on a crack-tip field in elastic-plastic matrix composites reinforced with elastic particles by using a finite element method developed based on an incremental damage theory. The particle size effect on damage is described by a critical energy criterion for particle-matrix interfacial debonding. The effect of debonding damage on a crack-tip field is discussed based on numerical results. The debonding damage initiates and progresses ahead of a crack-tip. The stress distribution shifts downward in the debonding damage area. It is concluded that a crack-tip field is strongly affected by debonding damage.