Prediction of the Elastic Modulus of Particulate Composites by Means of a General Evaluation Method Using a Four Components Model (original) (raw)

In this study, the elastic modulus of particulate composites by means of a model cubewithin-cube is evaluated. The R.V.E. (representative volume element) is consisted by four components, of which one component corresponds to the filler and the rest three components correspond to the matrix. Because of the different composite geometry in the three directions, 3 submodels are created, one in each direction, providing 3 different values for the elastic modulus. The evaluation procedure considers triaxial stress situation in each part of the model and the elastic modulus is evaluated by means of the governing stresses and elongations equations of the model. The theoretical results are compared with those derived by existing equations in the literature as well as with experimental tensile results and ultrasonic measurements in epoxy / iron particulate composites.