Effects of geometrical anisotropy on failure in a plastically anisotropic metal

Failure by debonding of rigid inclusions in a metal–matrix is numerically analyzed within a unit cell approach. Finite strain analyses are conducted under plane strain conditions assuming a plastically anisotropic matrix material. Focus is given to geometrical anisotropy induced by different aspect ratios of either the cell or the elliptic inclusion. In some cases the elliptic inclusions are inclined relative to the tensile directions. Failure is observed as a sudden overall stress drop. It is shown that geometrical anisotropy can improve the overall ductility but with the drawback of a significant drop in the load carrying capacity after initial debonding.