Effective properties of a composite with imperfectly bonded interface

The assumption of imperfect interface using the multi-scale approach enables a more realistic description of composite behavior. In a heterogeneous material, the junctions between the constituents do not always play their full role because defects may appear in these highly constrained regions. In this work, the interface is considered as an elastic medium with vanishing thickness. It can lead to a jump in the displacement but continuity of the traction across the interface is possible. The interface is modelled analytically and is given two stiffness parameters which characterise its normal and tangential extension. A simple polynomial form of the displacement jump is used to implement this condition together with the approach of Eshelby. The overall elastic moduli of a two-phase composite is computed by taking into account the existence of imperfect interfaces. The same interfacial model is modelled using the finite element analysis for predicting the macroscopic response of the composite. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.