Cohesive bonding interface model for the effective properties of randomly structured composites

The present paper aims at quantifying the effective behaviour of random composites at the microstructure scale using different combinations of intrinsic phase and interface properties. The composite microstructure is generated using Monte Carlo simulation. The methodology allows random spatial distribution of phases. It aims also at providing different evolutions of the interface quantity as function of phase ratio. Microstructures are then converted into finite element model. The FE model handles the interface effect using a cohesive zone model. This model represents the interface separation and traction using three parameters derived from a surface potential function. The sensitivity of the effective elastic properties to both interface and phase properties is then quantified. The predicted results show a strong non-linear dependence of the effective properties on the interface effect.