Abstract
An analytical model is developed to characterise the strength of syntactic foams (hollow spherical inclusions typically embedded in a polymeric matrix) by analysing the state of stress around the inclusions with imperfect adhesion with the matrix. Using a three-phase model with imperfect interface between the inclusion and the matrix, the state of stress around the particle is determined. Employing the concept of stress concentration factor, a predictive model for computing the failure strength of syntactic foam is presented by considering the increase in stress concentration with volume fraction and the degree of interface bonding degradation. The theoretical predictions are compared with the test data available in the literature for hollow glass beads dispersed in polymeric matrices. The predicted strength values correlate well with the test data.
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