Numerical implementation of imperfect interfaces

One approach to characterizing interfacial stiffness is to introduce imperfect interfaces that allow displacement discontinuities whose magnitudes depend on interfacial traction and on properties of the interface or interphase region. This work implemented such imperfect interfaces into both finite element analysis and the material point method. The finite element approach defined imperfect interface elements that are compatible with static, linear finite element analysis. The material point method interfaces extended prior contact methods to include interfaces with arbitrary traction-displacement laws. The numerical methods were validated by comparison to new or existing stress transfer models for composites with imperfect interfaces. Some possible experiments for measuring the imperfect interface parameters needed for modeling are discussed.