Self-consistent methods for composites. Vol. 1: Static problems (Q2464134)

This book is a compendium of several mathematical results concerning composite materials with some particular types of inclusions embedded in a homogeneous matrix. In the first part of the book a single inclusion (ellipsoidal inclusion, spherical or cylindrical inclusion with radially dependent properties, thin inclusions, i.e., whiskers, hard axisymmetric fibers) in an infinite homogeneous matrix is considered. In the second part, a random distribution of isolated inclusions are taken into account, and some effective properties are calculated under certain stochastic assumptions. This volume is devoted to only static problems. The book comprises 9 chapters and 5 appendices. There are 220 entries in the references. Chapter 1 (Introduction): The methods employed in solving homogenization problem of composites are summarised. Chapter 2 (An elastic medium with sources of external and internal stresses): The solutions for an infinite, homogeneous and linearly elastic solid subjected to external stresses due to prescribed loads or internal stresses created by deformation fields due to dislocation densities are obtained by using the appropriate Green's functions corresponding to the infinite medium. The sources are distributed in three-dimensional regions, on surfaces or on lines. As is well known, this approach usually leads to singular integral equations with single or double layer potentials. Chapter 3 (Equilibrium of a homogeneous elastic medium with an isolated inclusion): By employing the results of the previous chapter, the problem of a single ellipsoidal inclusion is solved from which the limiting forms (elliptical cylinder and elliptical crack) are also deduced. Elastic and thermoelastic problems for multilayered spherical or cylindrical inclusions are considered. Chapter 4 (Thin inclusions in a homogeneous elastic medium): Matched asymptotic expansions are employed to obtain approximate solutions of thin inclusions that involve small parameters. Chapter 5 (Hard fiber in a homogeneous elastic medium): The approach of matched asymptotic expansions is again employed to obtain an approximate solution to the problem of a hard axisymmetric fiber with varying cross-sections in a homogeneous medium. Chapter 6 (Thermal and electric fields in a medium with an isolated inclusion): Temperature and electric fields are calculated for a single rigid inclusion in a rigid homogeneous matrix by employing techniques which are quite similar to those employed in previous chapters. Chapter 7 (Homogeneous elastic medium with a set of isolated inclusions): Self-consistent schemes based on effective medium and effective field methods are used to solve the homogenization problems involving randomly distributed isolated inclusions. The basic ingredients of the approach are data supplied by single inclusions and certain stochastic assumptions. The predictions of the methods are compared with some exact solutions for regular composites and with experimental data for composites with random microstructure. Chapter 8 (Multiparticle interactions in composites): If the volume concentration of inclusions is quite high, the methods introduced in the previous chapter somewhat fail. In order to remedy this situation, the effective field method is modified in this chapter so as multiparticle interactions between inclusions are taken into account. This modification helps to improve the predictions of the method and to calculate higher-order statistical moments of physical fields. Chapter 9 (Thermo- and electroconductive properties of composites): Self-consisted methods are employed to determine effective dielectric permitivities and thermo- and electroconductivities of composites.