Influence of particle size and debonding damage on an elastic-plastic singular field around a crack-tip in particulate-reinforced composites

This paper deals with the influence of particle size and debonding damage on an elastic-plastic singular field around a crack-tip in particulate-reinforced composites (PRCs). Finite element analysis has been carried out on a crack-tip field in PRCs with debonding damage and containing various sized particles. The finite element method is developed based on a micromechanics model of PRCs by Tohgo et al. (Compos Part A 41:313-321, 2010) which can describe the debonding damage of particles from matrix and the particle size effect on deformation and damage. The influence of particle size and debonding damage on an elastic-plastic singular field around a crack-tip is discussed based on the numerical results. The stress distribution ahead of a crack-tip in the composites shifts upward with decreasing particle size unless the debonding damage develops. In the composites with damage, the debonding damage occurs from a crack-tip and progresses ahead of a crack-tip. The stress distribution shifts downward in the damage zone. It is concluded that the crack-tip field is strongly affected by the particle size and debonding damage.