Damage model of elastic rubber particulate composites

A discrete structural model is developed to simulate the behavior of randomly filled rubber particulate composites. Adopted is physical discretization approach for small linear deformations. It is expanded to systems for large elastic deformation that account for structure rearrangement and microdamage accumulation. The life cycle of the material is examined from its virgin state to multiple debonding of matrix from inclusions (primary damages) and growth of microcrack (secondary damages) corresponding to final macrofailure. Both macroscopic (tensile curves) and microscopic (primary and secondary damage accumulation) changes are evaluated for extensional loading. Effective strength characteristics scatter depending on filler concentration is calculated. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.