Bifurcation phenomena in the rigid inclusion power law matrix composite sphere

Bifurcation of interface separation related to cavity nucleation is analyzed for a radially loaded composite sphere consisting of a rigid inclusion separated from a power law matrix by a uniform, non-linear cohesive zone. Equations for the spherically symmetric and non-symmetric problems are obtained from a hyperelastic finite strain theory by a limiting process that preserves non-linear matrix and interface response at infinitesimal strain. A complete solution to the symmetric problem is presented including bifurcation load, stresses, and evolution of elasto-plastic boundary and interface separation. An analysis of non-symmetric bifurcation, under symmetric conditions of geometry and loading, yields the bifurcation load and first non-symmetric mode shape associated with rigid inclusion displacement. An energy analysis is carried out for both symmetric and non-symmetric problems in order to assess stability of spherically symmetric states to spherically symmetric and non-symmetric "rigid body mode" perturbations. Results are provided for an interface force law that captures interface failure in normal mode and linear response in shear mode. For the symmetric problem, (i) there are threshold parameter values above which bifurcation will generally not occur, (ii) threshold values below which there do not exist equilibria in the post bifurcation regime, (iii) bifurcation occurs after attainment of the maximum interface strength. For the non-symmetric problem, (i) bifurcation always occurs, although it can be delayed by interfacial shear, (ii) for the smooth interface, non-symmetric bifurcation occurs after attainment of the maximum interface strength and always precedes symmetric bifurcation.