The interphase influences on the particle-reinforced composites with periodic particle configuration

Abstract

This work improved upon an effective micromechanical method to analyze the mechanical properties of three-dimensional particle-reinforced composites (PRC) with consideration of the interfacial debonding. By incorporating the interfacial debonding model, Mises yield criterion, and failure theory, the effects of particle shape, particle volume fraction, and loading condition on the mechanical properties are studied. A comparison of simulation results obtained from the established method and published experimental data is presented. Good consistency can be found in this study. On this basis, the interfacial cohesive strength and particle shape effects on the biaxial failure strength of particle-reinforced composites with interfacial debonding were also studied. The results revealed that both interfacial strength and particle shape have significant effects on biaxial tensile failure strength. However, the different interfacial strength influence on failure envelope can hardly be discerned in biaxial compressive loading.