MICROMECHANICS OF FAILURE IN METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

Abstract

An analytical model of failure development in metal matrix composites is presented the model is based on a recently developed analytical method for the analysis of fracture process zone development in composites. We employ a classical fracture mechanics modelling technique using the process zone concept and a small-scale approach for the fracture resistance analysis. The method is based on an exact analytical solution of the corresponding boundary value problem representing the micromechanical processes taking place within the process zone. The considered composite consists of an elastic-ideally-plastic matrix and elastic fibres. The model and the analysis are based on explicit consideration of the discrete distribution of the reinforcing fibres. During the process zone development within each individual segment, we have regions experiencing elastic deformation, plastic yield and, eventually, void formation and growth. The void growth leads to failure. The developed analytical formulation may be applied to layered composites.