The exploratory research to be performed on this SGER award will investigate the fundamental relation between crack growth and background plasticity of ductile solids. Rigorous and exceptionally accurate finite element calculations based on an innovative mathematical model will be performed to predict the fracture resistance curves, the crack growth per cycle under sequential stressing, and the interface debond length. These results will be compared to available physical observations for this class of materials. Understanding gained from this research could lead to the development of advanced high-performance composites consisting of a multitude of alternating thin layers of ductile and brittle materials.
