A generalized self-consistent method for composites with random elastic properties of inclusions

The generalized self-consistent method is extended to the problems of statistical mechanics of composites with random elastic properties of inclusions. This approach makes it possible to reduce the problem of predicting the effective elastic properties of composites with random structures to a sequence of simpler homogenized boundary-value problems for solitary inclusions with inhomogeneous elastic transition layers in a homogeneous effective elastic medium and with the corresponding boundary conditions. The elastic properties of a solitary inclusion for the gth homogenized problem are found from the solutions of the gth and (g+1)th homogenized problems. The elastic properties and sizes of the transition layers account for the random distribution, random sizes, and random elastic properties of inclusions in the composite. A test problem of predicting the effective elastic properties of a transversely isotropic layer composite with random elastic properties of some layers is solved by using the method proposed. The solution obtained coincides with the known exact solution [1].Perm State Technical University, Perm, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 6, pp. 785–796, November–December, 1999.     

Generalized self-consistent method for predicting the effective elastic properties of composites with random hybrid structures

The feasibility of using a generalized self-consistent method for predicting the effective elastic properties of composites with random hybrid structures has been examined. Using this method, the problem is reduced to solution of simpler special averaged problems for composites with single inclusions and corresponding transition layers in the medium examined. The dimensions of the transition layers are defined by correlation radii of the composite random structure of the composite, while the heterogeneous elastic properties of the transition layers take account of the probabilities for variation of the size and configuration of the inclusions using averaged special indicator functions. Results are given for a numerical calculation of the averaged indicator functions and analysis of the effect of the micropores in the matrix-fiber interface region on the effective elastic properties of unidirectional fiberglass—epoxy using the generalized self-consistent method and compared with experimental data and reported solutions.Perm State Technical University. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitmykh Materialov, Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 289–299, May–June, 1997.     

Theory of spherofibrous composites. 1. Input relationships: Hypotheses and models

A theory is proposed for fibrous composites with a matrix reinforced with spherical hollow and solid inclusions based on an internal stress field and structural models. The problem solutions are obtained for the fiber-averaged matrix level. The matrix properties are determined assuming a regular distribution of the matrix inclusions. The problem of accounting for the scatter of inclusion properties on the effective composite parameters is examined.Presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials, Riga, Latvia (October, 1995).A. A. Blagonravov Mechanical Engineering Institute. Russian Academy of Sciences. Moscow, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 32, No. 3, pp. 291–305. May–June, 1996.     

Singular approximation of the method of periodic components in statistical mechanics of composite materials

A quasi-periodic model is developed for random structures of composites, when the locations of inclusions are given in terms of random deviations from nodes of an ideal periodic lattice. Solution of the stochastic boundary problem of the theory of elasticity is examined for a quasi-periodic component by the method of periodic components, which is reduced to determination of the field of deviations from the known solution for a corresponding periodic composite. The solution is presented for the tensor of effective elastic properties of a quasi-periodic composite in singular approximation of the method of periodic components in terms of familiar solutions for tensors of the effective elastic properties of composites with periodic and chaotic structures and the parameters of the quasi-periodic structure: the coefficient of periodicity and the tensor of the anisotropy of inclusion disorder. A numerical calculation is performed for the effective transversally isotropic elastic properties of unidirectional fibrous composites with different degrees of fiber disorder.Perm' State Technical University, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 460–473, July–August, 1997.     

Structural approach to calculation of the effect of moisture on elastic characteristics of organoplastics

Data have been obtained for the structural calculation of the effect of moisture on the elastic characteristics of organoplastics from the properties of components. The distribution of moisture between the fiber and matrix — the components of a unidirectional composite — is considered. The elastic properties of the fiber are determined by an inverse calculation using the experimental dependences of the composite and matrix on moisture. The moisture effect on the properties of the materials is taken into account with influence functions, which differ by more than 25% for various characteristics. The results can be used for calculating the elastic properties of composites with various reinforcement schemes and at the nonequilibrium distribution of the moisture concentration in an actual environment.Presented at the 10th International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, April 20–23, 1998).Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Riga, LV-1006, Latvia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 34, No. 4, pp. 525–530, July–August, 1998.     

Generalized self-adjustment method for statistical mechanics of composite materials

A new method is developed for the statistical mechanics of composite materials — the generalized selfadjustment method — which makes it possible to reduce the problem of predicting effective elastic properties of composites with random structures to the solution of two simpler “averaged” problems of an inclusion with transitional layers in a medium with the desired effective elastic properties. The inhomogeneous elastic properties and dimensions of the transitional layers take into account both the “approximate” order of mutual positioning, and also the variation in the dimensions and elastics properties of inclusions through appropriate special averaged indicator functions of the random structure of the composite. A numerical calculation of averaged indicator functions and effective elastic characteristics is performed by the generalized self-adjustment method for a unidirectional fiberglass on the basis of various models of actual random structures in the plane of isotropy.     

Calculation of deformative and thermal properties of multiphase composite materials filled with composite or hollow spherical inclusions by the effective medium method

A theoretical investigation was carried out to examine the possibilities of a structural approach to prediction of elastic constants, creep functions, and thermal properties of multiphase polymer composite materials filled with composite or hollow spherical Inclusions of several types. The problem of determining effective properties of the composite was solved by generalizing the effective medium method, a variant of the self-consistent method, for the case of a four-phase kernel-shell-matrix-equivalent homogeneous medium model. Exact analytical expressions for the bulk modulus thermal expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity coefficient, and specific heat were obtained. The solution for the shear modulus is given in the form of a nonlinear equation whose coefficients are the solution of a system of 12 linear equations.To be presented at the Ninth International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials, Riga, October 1995.Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 462–472, July–August, 1995.     

Effective elastic properties of particulate-reinforced compossite materials

A numerical approach for determination of the effective properties of particulate composite materials has been developed. A representative volume element (RVE) of the composite material is analyzed with help of the finite-element method. Uniform boundary displacements or tractions are applied on the boundaries of the RVE for introducing the known average strain in the RVE. Local stress and strain distributions in the RVE are calculated using the finite-element method. Different effective elastic constants can be calculated by averaging the local fields corresponding to different sets of boundary conditions. The present approach allows us to determine the effective properties of particle-reinforced composites with acceptable accuracy. The calculated effective properties of the composite are between the upper and lower Hashin—Shtrikman bounds. The results based on the present approach lead to higher stiffness of composites in comparison with analytical approaches.Institute fur Werkstoffwissenschaften, Fachberech Werkseoffwissenschaften, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, D-06099 Halle, Germany. Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 33, No. 4, pp. 450–459, July–August, 1997.     

Identification of mechanical properties of composites based on design of experiments

A numerical-experimental method for the identification of mechanical properties of laminated polymeric composites from the experimental results is being developed. For the first time, it is proposed to use the method of experiment planning to solve the identification (inverse) problems. The basic idea of the approach is that simple mathematical models are determined only from information on the response of a structure in reference points of the design. Therefore, a significant reduction in the calculation of the identification functional (about 50–100 times) can be achieved in comparison with the conventional methods of minimization. Examples of the numerical identification of the elastic properties of the laminated composites from the measured eigenfrequencies of plates are discussed.Submitted to the 10th International Conference on Mechanics of Composite Materials, April 20–23, 1998, Riga, Latvia.Institute of Computer Analysis of Structures, Riga Technical University, Riga LV-1058 Latvia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 34, No. 1, pp. 3–16, January–February, 1998.     

Polydisperse structures of composites with random elastic properties of inclusions

A generalized self-consistent method [1, 2] is developed and applied to the boundary-value problems of composites with random elastic properties of inclusions. The approach suggested makes it possible to allow for a random mutual arrangement, statistical dispersion of elastic properties and sizes of the inclusions, and their mutual correlation in terms of special homogenized indicator functions. For comparison, the analytical solutions and those obtained from a corresponding sequence of H+1 (H=0,1,…) linked homogenized problems of the self-consistent method for the strain distribution in the inclusions and for the tensor of effective elastic properties of the composite are given. A numerical calculation of the effective transversely isotropic elastic characteristics for a unidirectional polydisperse fibrous composite is also presented. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 33–58, January–February, 2000.     

Analysis of elastomeric composites based on fiber-reinforced systems. 1. Development of design methods for composite materials

A method for calculating the elastic properties of fiber-reinforced composites is discussed. The method is based on the structural macroscopic theory for reinforced media [1, 2], which can be used for analysis of stiff and soft composites. As a measure of the elastic properties of composites, the parameters of macroscopic deformations of the base system of Cartesian coordinates are used, with the axes oriented in a certain direction relative to the general reinforcement and loading field. The corresponding macrostresses in the loaded composites are found by a solution of the microboundary problem for a composite macroelement with sides parallel to reinforcement planes of the system. The microboundary-value problem is multiply connected and is formulated based on the information about the homogeneous field of macroscopic displacements specified by the parameters of macroscopic deformation. The problem is solved using the local system of coordinates whose axes are directed along some of the reinforcement trajectories.State Metallurgical Academy of Ukraine, Dniepropetrovsk, Ukraine. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 34, No. 6, pp. 733–745, November–December, 1998.     

Solution of the stochastic boundary-value problem of elasticity theory for composites with disordered structures in the correlative approximation of the method of quasi-periodic components

The method of quasi-periodic components, a new method of statistical mechanics of composites, is presented. In correlative approximation, this method makes it possible to reduce the problem of solving the stochastic boundary-value problem of elasticity theory for composites with disordered structures to a simpler problem for an individual cell with one inclusion in a homogeneous elastic medium. The generalized volumetric forces on the cell boundary take into account the random distribution of inclusions in the composite fragment studied. The problem for one inclusion cell can be solved, for example, by the boundary element method. The numerical solution in the correlative approximation of the method of quasi-periodic components for inhomogeneous interphase stress fields in the matrix of an epoxy composite containing randomly distributed unidirectional fibers is given. A comparison with the known analytical solutions obtained by other authors confirms the high accuracy of the correlative approximation.Perm' State Technical University, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 35, No. 4, pp. 465–478, July–August, 1999.     

Calculation of characteristics of the elastic and thermophysical properties of a multiphase composite containing composite or hollow spherical inclusions

Conclusion We generalized the self-consistent method of effective media to the case of a four-phase model consisting of a core, a shell, a binder, and the effective medium. We obtained analytic solutions for the elastic characteristics, coefficient of linear expansion, heat capacity, and thermal conductivity of a multiphase composite containing several types of composite (or hollow) spherical inclusions. In the special case of a composite containing inclusions of just one type, the solutions obtained for the bulk modulus of elasticity K, coefficient of linear expansion a, heat capacity c, and thermal conductivity agree (within the framework of the two-stage approach) with the values found using known solutions for a three-phase model [8]. The first stage entails calculation of the effective characteristics of a spherical composite inclusion, while the second stage involves calculating the analogous characteristics for the composite as a whole.The possibilities of the solutions that were found were illustrated in a calculation of the shear modulus of a composite containing spherical hollow inclusions. It was shown that by assuming a nonaxisymmetric Weibull distribution of the parameter (the ratio of the thickness of the wall of a particle to its radius) it is possible to reach better agreement between the calculations and the experimental data in [4] than when calculations are performed using only the mean value of .The solutions obtained here can be used to find optimum combinations of volume fractions of different types of fillers in multiphase composites.The work was sponsored at the University Iberoamericana in 1994 by the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT).Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 30, No. 4, pp. 512–519, July–August, 1994.     

Elastic characteristics of ferrocement reinforced by hexagonal grids

The methods of the structural mechanics of composite materials are used to develop a method for predicting the elastic modulus and shear modulus of ferrocement reinforced with hexagonal woven and stamped grids. The method takes into account the elastic properties of the components and the geometry of the reinforcement.Riga Technical University, LV-1047 Latvia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 2, pp. 182–186, March–April, 1997.     

Analysis of effective elastic properties of unidirectional boron fiber-reinforced plastic by a generalized self-consistent method

A new generalized self-consisrtent method is developed for the statistical mechanics of composites which makes it possible to reduce the problem of predicting the effective elastic properties of composites with random structures to solution of a simpler averaged problem of an inclusion with a transitional layer in a material with the effective elastic properties sought. The typical size of the transition layer is determined by the correlation radius of the random structure, and its elastic properties are considered as both the close order of the mutual position and the variation of inclusion dimensions in terms of a special averaged indicator function of the structure. A numerical calculation is presented by the generalized self-consistent method for the average indicator function and the transversely-isotropic tensor for effective elastic properties of unidirectional boron fiber-reinforced plastic based on different models for actual random structure in the plane of isotropy. Analysis of the numerical results compared with experimental data and known solutions of other authors demonstrates the high accuracy of the generalized self-consistent method for a broad class of random composite structures.Perm State Mechanical University, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 32, No. 6, pp. 747–758, November–December, 1996.     

Numerical identification of properties of particle-reinforced composite materials

The paper deals with numerical identification of the average elastic properties of particle-reinforced composite materials. The finite element method for the determination of deformation energy of the characteristic volume element was used. In earlier analytical investigations, an approximation function of the averaged elastic properties of the composite was derived. An identification procedure allows the estimation of the unknown approximation parameters from numerical experiments. The obtained functions describe precisely the numerical data for any relationships between constituents of the material.Presented at the 10th International Conference on the Mechanics of Composite Materials (Riga, April 20–23, 1998).Institute of Computer Analysis of Structures, Riga Technical University, Riga PDP-1658, Latvia. Institute of Materials Science, Department of Materials Science, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06099 Halle, Germany. Published in Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 383–390, May–June, 1998.     

Creep of orthogonally reinforced spherofibrous composites

Models of composites with three-dimensional structure, a proposed problem solving method, and Rabotnov's creep operators were used assuming purely elastic deformation of the composite along the orientation of the fibers to determine the viscoelastic properties of composites on inclined surfaces in a three-dimensional stressed state. The formulas used in viscoelasticity theory in the elastic region of component deformation lead to results in satisfactory accord with the reported experimental elastic properties of composites with three-dimensional structure.A. A. Blagonravov Mechanical Engineering Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 32, No. 6, pp. 780–786, November–December, 1996.     

Calculation of elastic characteristics and creep functions of hollow-sphere plastics by the effective medium method

Conclusion Solutions for the elastic characteristics and the creep functions of a composite containing hollow spherical fillers as applies to the four-phase nucleus/jacket/binder/equivalent-homogeneous-material model are obtained in the study when the method of self-correspondence is used. It is demonstrated that if the two-stage approach (when the elastic characteristics of the nucleus + jacket system, and the composite are calculated in the first and second stages, respectively) yields an exact solution for the bulk modulus K_* of the composite, it is highly approximate when the shear modulus G_* of the composite is determined. The error of determination of G_* increases considerably (by a factor of 2–2.5 when = 0.4) when Kerner's approximate solution (2) is used in lieu of solution (8) for the three-phase model within the framework of the two stage approach. Dzenis and Maksimov [5] establish by comparison with experimental data that the four-phase model provides a rather exact solution for the elastic modulus of a composite when the bulk content of hollow spheres 0.4. It is also demonstrated that use of Kerner's approximate solution (2) within the framework of the two-stage approach in predicting the creep of a composite yields an inadmissibly high error in the region of the principal relaxation transition of the binder from the glassy to the highly elastic state.This work was sponsored at the Iberoamericana University in 1993 by the Mexican National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT).Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 30, No. 2, pp. 177–188, March–April, 1994.     

Shear of orthogonally reinforced spherofibrous composites

The problem of determining the shear characteristics and interphase stress concentration of fibrous composites with spherical inclusions is examined on the basis of a three-phase model. Stress fields caused by diffusion interaction of phases are neglected. The elastic moduli of the composite are investigated and compared with those obtained from a two-phase model. The general formula for determination of the shear modulus of triorthogonally reinforced compsites is derived using previously investigated relationships for averaged stress fields. The matrix of these compsites contained spherical cavities. The dependence of integral characteristics of three-phase composites on their bulk phase concentration was investigated. The stresses between phases were studied as a function of composite structure.A. A. Blagonravov Machine-Science Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, No. 1, 104–111, January–February, 1997.     

Homogenization of Unidirectional and Arbitrarily Oriented Fiber-Reinforced Materials by the Method of Conditional Moments

In this paper the method of conditional moments is developed for the case of a two–component matrix composite with randomly distributed unidirectional and arbitrarily oriented ellipsoidal inclusions. The algorithm for determination of the effective elastic properties of composites from the given elastic constants of the components and geometrical parameters and orientation of inclusions is discussed. It is assumed that the components of the composite show orthotropic symmetry of thermoelastic properties. As a numerical example arbolite (straw particle inclusions in a cement matrix) is considered. The dependencies of Young's moduli, Poisson's ratios and shear moduli from the concentration of inclusions and for certain orientations of the inclusions are predicted and discussed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)