Comparative analysis of damage at interfaces of composites

In this study, the effective behavior of a metal-matrix composite reinforced with particles is numerically predicted by taking into account the existence of imperfect interfaces between the constituents. The bonding conditions between the particles and the matrix are characterized by the existence of a jump in the displacement which is proportional to the traction transmitted across the interface. In order to describe the degradation of this flexible interface, two approaches are implemented in a finite element analysis. One of these approaches consists in using a damage law deriving from the thermodynamical framework and giving an evolution of the interfacial properties during the solicitation. The other approach is based on a failure criterion written as a Coulomb law and combining the effects of the normal and tangential tractions at a given point of the interface. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.