A micromechanics-based approach to the mechanical behavior of brittle-matrix composites

Composites are heterogeneous materials and brittle-matrix composites combine brittle constituents. As a consequence, damage and failure exhibit typical features that are discussed in this paper. These phenomena influence the mechanical response under certain conditions. The micromechanics-based models of matrix cracking and fiber failures which are presented are based upon fracture statistics. The resulting model of mechanical behavior requires a limited number of parameters which consist in intrinsic constituent properties including elastic properties and flaw strength parameters. Finally, trends in the influence of constituent properties on the mechanical behavior are predicted. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.