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Effects of matrix elastoplastic properties and reinforcement volume fraction on damage initiation in model heterogeneous metals have been studied using in situ tensile tests coupled with high resolution X-ray tomography. The materials consisted in two kinds of aluminium matrices (commercially pure Al and Al2124 alloy) reinforced by 4 vol% or 20 vol% of spherical hard ceramic particles. The main damage mechanisms were found to change from particle/matrix interface decohesion to particle cracking as the matrix got harder. Quantitative analyses of experimental observations have been performed using the three dimensional images. These measurements were linked to a Weibull statistic based on different local mechanical quantities (stress, strain or energy) calculated by Finite Element in the particle or at the particle/matrix interface. The results obtained for particle cracking confirmed that this damage …