Effects of interphase strength on the damage modes and mechanical behaviour of metal-matrix composites

A numerical version of the generalized self-consistent method previously de veloped by the authors is combined with the Gurson model to undertake a par ametric investigation of the damage mechanisms and their relations with the macroscopic tensile properties of SIC reinforced aluminium, for three diff erent interphase strengths. The results show that the interphase strength i s a governing factor for damage propagation in thr composite. Thus, transfo rmation of the failure mechanism from reinforcement fracture to void nuclea tion and growth can be achieved by reducing the interphase bond strength, a lthough the strengthening effects on the composite decrease unfavourably. ( C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.