Modelling the competition between interface debonding and particle fracture using a plastic strain dependent cohesive zone

In metal matrix composites made of elastic spherical reinforcements (zirconia and/or silica ceramics) embedded in an aluminium matrix two damage mechanisms are observed to trigger failure: particle fracture or decohesion at the particle–matrix interface. Experimentally, it was shown that the dominant damage mechanism is governed by the matrix plastic characteristics: a soft matrix composite shows interface debonding while particles breakdown …