Statistical failure model of materials with micro-inhomogeneity

Statistical consideration is used to model the failure process by the concept of an 'effective continuum'. This approach permits the description of a stable stage of failure in composite materials. The model is used to predict the critical values of parameters associated with the onset of unstable failure under uniaxial tensile load. Presented are data for a two-phase composite containing a brittle and ductile phase and a single phase brittle polycrystalline material. The trends of the theoretical calculations agree with data obtained from acoustic emission.