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Particle size effect on the strength of particle-reinforced composites. Experimental analysis and comparison with the coupled criterion
[Effet de la taille des particules sur la résistance des composites renforcés par particules : analyse expérimentale et comparaison avec le critère couplé]
Comptes Rendus. Mécanique, Volume 353 (2025), pp. 627-646.

Cet article fait partie du numéro thématique coordonné par Leblond Jean-Baptiste.

Particle-reinforced composites are widely used in industry, primarily due to their versatile fabrication methods and the ability to tailor their properties. In many cases, extensive experimental campaigns are required to determine the optimal characteristics of the system to enhance specific properties. Micromechanical models can serve as a useful alternative or initial approach during the material design process. One of the easiest characteristics that can be modified is the size of the reinforcement, which, according to some models and preliminary evidence, can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the material.

The objective of this work is to experimentally evaluate the size effect of reinforcement on the composite strength and to compare it with the predictions by the coupled criterion of finite fracture mechanics (CC-FFM). A secondary objective is to visualize the initiation of the failure mechanism, which starts at the particle-matrix interface and progresses toward a crack that splits the specimen. To achieve this, a new specimen design is proposed along with an optimized fabrication procedure. The tests were recorded using a high-speed camera, which allowed for the visualization of crack initiation at the particle-matrix interface.

The experimental results show a strong size effect, where smaller particles correspond to higher apparent strength. The results are in relatively good agreement with the predictions of the CC-FFM.

Les composites renforcés par particules sont largement utilisés dans l’industrie, principalement en raison de la diversité de leurs méthodes de fabrication et de la possibilité d’adapter leurs propriétés. Dans de nombreux cas, des campagnes expérimentales approfondies sont nécessaires pour optimiser les caractéristiques du système et améliorer certaines propriétés spécifiques. Les modèles micromécaniques constituent une alternative utile ou une première approche lors du processus de conception des matériaux. L’une des caractéristiques les plus faciles à modifier est la taille du renfort, qui, selon certains modèles et preuves préliminaires, peut influencer significativement les propriétés mécaniques du matériau.

L’objectif de cette étude est d’évaluer expérimentalement l’effet de la taille du renfort sur la résistance du composite et de le comparer aux prédictions du critère couplé de la mécanique de la rupture finie (CC-MRF). Un objectif secondaire est d’observer le mécanisme d’amorçage de la rupture, qui débute à l’interface particule-matrice et évolue vers une fissure scindant l’éprouvette. Pour cela, un nouveau design d’éprouvette est proposé, ainsi qu’un procédé de fabrication optimisé. Les essais ont été enregistrés à l’aide d’une caméra à haute vitesse, permettant de visualiser l’initiation de la fissure à l’interface particule-matrice.

Les résultats expérimentaux mettent en évidence un fort effet de taille, où des inclusions plus petites entraînent une résistance apparente plus élevée. Ces résultats sont en accord relativement bon avec les prédictions du CC-MRF.

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DOI : 10.5802/crmeca.293
Keywords: Size effect, Particle-reinforced composites, Spherical inhomogeneity, Coupled criterion, Finite fracture mechanics, Experimental fracture mechanics
Mots-clés : Effet de taille, Composites renforcés par particules, Inhomogénéité sphérique, Critère couplé, Mécanique de la rupture finie, Mécanique expérimentale de la rupture

Israel García García 1 ; Jesús Justo 1 ; Alejandro Zurita Van-Dinter 1 ; Vladislav Mantič 1

1 Departamento de Mecánica de Medios Continuos y Teoría de Estructuras, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería, Escuela Politécnica Superior. Universidad de Sevilla. Camino de los Descubrimienos s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
Licence : CC-BY 4.0
Droits d'auteur : Les auteurs conservent leurs droits
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Israel García García; Jesús Justo; Alejandro Zurita Van-Dinter; Vladislav Mantič. Particle size effect on the strength of particle-reinforced composites. Experimental analysis and comparison with the coupled criterion. Comptes Rendus. Mécanique, Volume 353 (2025), pp. 627-646. doi : 10.5802/crmeca.293. https://comptes-rendus.academie-sciences.fr/mecanique/articles/10.5802/crmeca.293/

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