The effect of interfaces on the plastic behavior of periodic composites

M. I. IDIART; N. A. FLECK

Adelaida

Congreso; 22nd International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; 2008

International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

Theoretical predictions based on nonlinear homogenization are given for the effect of microstructural size on the strength of multi-phase periodic composites. It is assumed that the strength is elevated by plastic strain gradients in the bulk and by the resistance to plastic slip at internal material interfaces. Size effects are predicted for both yield strength and plastic hardening rate of the composite. The relative magnitude of these two effects is sensitive to the choice of constitutive description of the interface.