Size effect of particles on the damage dissipation in nanocomposites

The size effect of particles in nanocomposites on the energy dissipation due to the interfacial debonding between the particles and matrix is theoretically studied in this paper. The size distribution of particles is assumed to obey the logarithmic normal distribution, and the Weibull's distribution function is used to describe the probability of debonding at the interface. Then, the formula of energy dissipation due to the interfacial debonding is derived. According to the numerical calculation, the size effect of particles on the damage dissipation is discussed. It is found that there is a damage dissipation crest with respect to the average size of particles. From the property of the crest we find that the damage dissipation is strongly dependent on the size of particles. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.