Title of Paper:Size effect of particles reinforced composites

Hits:

Date of Publication:2008-01-01

Included Journals:CPCI-S

Page Number:1037-1040

Key Words:size effect; progressive failure; numerical model; crack propagation

Abstract:Numerical results from investigation on the size effect as well as fracture process in particle reinforced composites were presented. Compression tests with different confining pressure were carried out on the composites containing reinforced particles with the same sizes and content. The heterogeneous microstructures, including the matrix and the particles, were implemented by assigning random strength and elastic modulus values drawn from a statistical distribution function. Even though the content ratio of particles in each specimens were the same, different failure process were found. With the increase of the specimen size, the macro peak strength of the composites decreased. With the increase of confining pressure, the composites showed a more ductile failure, higher peak strength and a higher residual strength. However, in the elastic deformation phase, all the composites exhibited little size effect and they had the same Young's modulus. It was observed that confining pressure would reduce the size effect of particle reinforced composites. The model simulations can be applied as a guideline in designing real particle reinforced composites. In particular optimization of strength of the composite by determining the correct size of particles seems possible.