A numerical investigation of spherical void growth in an elastic–plastic continuum

Significant toughening of structural epoxy adhesives has been achieved with the addition of nano and micro-scale particles. However, the toughening mechanisms introduced by the addition of these particles is not very well understood. The ultimate aim of this research is to develop an understanding of the toughening mechanisms present and investigate the parameters which a ect the degree of toughening, i.e. particle size, particle volume fraction and particle distribution to guide future adhesives development. The current work examines the growth of a single void in an elastic-plastic material as a function of constraint and compares the results with the predictions of the classic Rice & Tracey model.