On modeling of elastic interface layers in particle composites

Two high order imperfect interface models of elastic spherical interphase are developed using the Bövik-Benveniste methodology. In one model, the effect of the layer is accounted for via jumps in the field variables across the traces of its boundaries, while in the other—via corresponding jumps across the trace of its mid-surface. The derived higher order jump conditions are incorporated into the unit cell model of spherical particle composite and the accurate semi-analytical solutions to the corresponding boundary value problems are obtained by the multipole expansion method. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate that the use of higher order imperfect interface models provides an accurate evaluation of the local elastic fields and overall stiffness properties of composites with spherical interphases and/or incoherent interfaces.