Numerical simulation on failure process in brittle and heterogeneous matrix filled with randomly distributed particles

Based on an essential assumption of meso-heterogeneity of material, the macro characteristic of composite reinforced with particles, the crack initiation, propagation and the failure process in composite were studied by using a numerical code. The composite is subjected to a uniaxial tension, and stiff or soft particles are distributed at random manner but without overlapping or contacting. The effect of reinforcement particle properties on the fracture process and mechanism of composite with brittle matrix, furthermore, the influence of the particle volumetric fraction is also investigated. Numerical results present the different failure mode and re-produce the crack initiation, propagation and coalescence in brittle and heterogeneous matrix. The mechanism of such failure was also elucidated.