Numerical estimation of strain intensity factors at the tip of a rigid line inclusion embedded in a finite matrix

Interactions between multiple rigid lamellae in a ductile metal matrix: Shear band magnification and attenuation in localization patterns

“…Although beneficial for stiffness (and other properties such as hardness and resistance to decomposition by heat or chemical attack), the introduction of stiff lamellar inclusions plays a complex role on the effective strength. It has been proven both theoretically [3,6,11,13,21,30,32,39] and experimentally [27,28,35,37] that stiff lamellar inclusions create a strong stress concentration in the matrix material, which may lead to premature failure by shear band or crack nucleation and growth [47]. Therefore, the study of shear banding represents a key for the design of materials with superior mechanical properties.…”