Power law creep with interface slip and diffusion in a composite material

Abstract

Abstract The leading order solution for the power law creep of a matrix around a rigid finite fiber is developed. The matrix is well bonded to the fiber but the interface is assumed to be capable of slip with a drag which is linearly proportional to the slip velocity. In addition, mass transport by stress driven diffusion is assumed also to be possible at the interface between the fiber and the matrix. It is found that when there is no slip or interface mass transport, the composite has a high creep strength compared to the matrix. However, both slip and mass transport acting individually or together are capable of reducing the creep strength of the composite material. If slip occurs very readily or mass transport is very rapid or both, the creep strength of the composite can fall below that of the pure matrix material. It is notable that mass transport and interface slip with a linear rheology have an identical effect on the creep strength of the composite material.