Reinforcement of Elastic Structures in the Presence of Imperfect Interfacial Bonding

The 2D problem of plane strain is considered in the presence of imperfectly bonded elastic reinforcements. A geometric criterion on the shape and size of the elastic reinforcement is found that determines when the effects of imperfect bonding overcome the benefits of the reinforcement. The criterion is given in terms of the surface traction-to-bulk stress quotient. This quantity is defined by an eigenvalue problem posed on the surface of the reinforcement.