Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.126, No.2, 559-568, 2012
Modeling the mechanical properties of notched aluminum - epoxy particulate composites
The aim of the present investigation is to study both the influence of particle weight fraction (0-50%) and the effect of the notch length on the static mechanical properties of aluminum particle epoxy composites. Experimental results in both cases were compared with three different theoretical models, previously developed by the first author and presented in a series of publications. First, for the evaluation of the maximum strength the particle sectioning model (PSM) was applied. Next, for the evaluation of the elastic modulus as a function of aluminum powder weight fraction, the interphase model (IM) was applied. Finally, in the case of notches' length influence, the residual property model, (RPM), was applied. This model can be applied for the description of the residual behavior of materials after any type of damage. In all cases, predicted values showed a satisfactory agreement with experimental findings. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012