ABSTRACT

ALTHOUGH COMPOSITE MATERIALS are commonly designed to maximize the advantagesof differentmaterial phases for synergic benefits. For example, in fiber-reinforced polymer composites, the strength of polymer materials can be reinforced with fibers whereas fibers can be protected by polymer matrix. However, manufacturing multiphase materials is prone to defects, such as air voids, microcracks or discontinuities, and interfacial debondings.When thematerial is subjected to fatigue, creep, and plastic loads, cracking, dislocation, and damagemay be induced at the microscale, whichmay lead to yielding, softening, cracking, and failure of the material at the macroscale. The defects can be treated as a disturbing source or a new material phase in the micromechanics.