Abstract
An approximate analysis of the state of plastic deformation in a ductile matrix containing second-phase particles, before and at the point of incipient internal necking between the particles, is used to estimate the matrix/particle bond strength necessary to prevent decohesion. The analysis is carried out for the cases where no decohesion has occurred and where decohesion has taken place at the ends of the particles but not at the sides. The results suggest that if internal necking between strong second-phase particles is to be prevented or delayed, the matrix/particle bond strength must exceed a quantity which is a function of both the current matrix yield stress and the transverse stress component acting in the matrix.