%0 Journal Article
%@ 1971-8993
%A Paggi, Marco
%D 2012
%F eprints:2046
%I Gruppo Italiano Frattura
%J Frattura ed Integrità Strutturale
%K Hierarchical composites; Fracture mechanics; Finite element method; Cohesive zone model
%P 29-36
%T Structural integrity of hierarchical composites
%U http://eprints.imtlucca.it/2046/
%V 19
%X Interface mechanical problems are of paramount importance in engineering and materials science.  Traditionally, due to the complexity of modelling their mechanical behaviour, interfaces are often treated as  defects and their features are not explored. In this study, a different approach is illustrated, where the interfaces  play an active role in the design of innovative hierarchical composites and are fundamental for their structural  integrity. Numerical examples regarding cutting tools made of hierarchical cellular polycrystalline materials are  proposed, showing that tailoring of interface properties at the different scales is the way to achieve superior  mechanical responses that cannot be obtained using standard materials