Scale-dependent bounds on effective elastoplastic response of random composites (Q5930720)

Motivated by well-known Hill's concept of representative volume element of continuum mechanics [\textit{R. Hill}, ibid. 11, 357-372 (1963; Zbl 0114.15804)], the authors investigate scale-dependent bounds on effective instantaneous moduli of a random heterogeneous material. Each phase exhibits elastic-plastic hardening with associated flow rule in plastic regime, and the microstructure statistics is homogeneous and ergodic. The upper and lower bounds on effective moduli are obtained from uniform displacement and traction boundary conditions applied to finite-size domains (square shaped windows). Assuming small deformation theory of plane strain, numerical results are reported for fiber-reinforced composite material. Both the fiber and matrix of composite material are isotropic, the fibers are linearly elastic, while the matrix is elastoplastic. The relationships between averaged stress and averaged strain are given under different boundary conditions, and are compared with Taylor and Sachs bounds.