This research is aimed at a precise understanding of the micro- and macromechanical descriptions of large strain deformation and failure of ductile heterophase microstructures. Emphasis is on deformation processes at, or near, interfaces and on the failure of interfaces in composite materials. Specific objectives include (1) development of large strain, strain-rate dependent theory and predictive models for composite structures; (2) application of the models to the deformation and failure of the microstructures; (3) experimental studies of deformation and failure in metal-matrix composite materials; (4) experimental studies of deformation at bi- material interfaces and analysis of their fracture resistance; (5) related effects of residual stresses developed during the processing on deformation and failure mechanisms. %%% This research relates to structural metal alloys and composites that employ interfaces to control mechanical behavior and/or surface coatings to create improved properties.
