Micromechanical Modeling of the Finite Deformation of Thermoelastic Multiphase Composites

Abstract

A micromechanical model is proposed for the prediction of nonlinearly thermoplastic, multiphase particulate, and/or continuous reinforced composites in which any or all constituents exhibit large strain (finite deformation). The analysis provides closed-form representations for the instantaneous mechanical and thermal concentration tensors, as well as the effective tangent mechanical and thermal properties of the composite. The micromechanical model predictions are assessed by a comparison with an analytical spherical composite model, valid for hydrostatic loadings only Very good agreement between the two approaches was obtained. Similarly, results demonstrating the effects of nonlinearity are given for particulate and continuous fiber-reinforced SiC/Al compositesFinally, the nonlinear response of cellular solids idealized by open-cell and closed-cell structures are compared and contrasted.