Model for Elastic Modulus of Multi-Constituent Particulate Composites

In this paper, a methodology has been developed to accurately predict the elastic properties of multi-constituent particulate composites by accounting for irreversible effects, such as energy loss that arises due to internal friction. The complex dependence on loading density and particle properties (i.e., size, shape, morphology, etc.) is investigated in terms of their effects on the effective elastic modulus of the composite. Confirmed by experimental data from the compression loading of individual Ni and Al particles dispersed in an epoxy matrix, it is believed that this approach captures the effects of internal friction, consequently providing a more accurate and comprehensive representation for predicting and understanding the material behavior of multi-constituent particulate reinforced composites. The present methodology provides a model to directly compare the elastic modulus from an uncomplicated test, such as dual-cantilever beam loading in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), to the modulus obtained by other more complex experimental methods such as quasi-static compression. The model illustrates an efficient method to incorporate input data from DMA to represent realistic elastic moduli, hence promising for the characterization and design of particulate composites.