Effect of an inhomogeneous interphase zone on the bulk modulus of a particulate composite containing spherical inclusions. (15th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sburlati, Roberta; Monetto, Ilaria
• Is Part Of: Composites. Volume 97(2016)
• Page Start: 309
• Page End: 316
• Publication Date: 2016-07-15
• Subjects: Elasticity -- Bulk modulus -- Particulate composite -- Spherical inclusion; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.04.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: The effects of an inhomogeneous interphase zone on the effective bulk modulus of particulate composites containing large concentrations of inclusions are analyzed. The composite is modeled as a suspension of elastic homogeneous hollow spherical particles in a continuous elastic matrix. An interphase zone surrounding inclusions where the matrix material has elastic moduli with radial variation that asymptotically assume a constant value far away from particles is then modeled. The related elastic problem of a single inclusion in a finite matrix subjected to a spherically symmetric load is considered and a closed-form solution in terms of hypergeometric functions is determined. This analytical solution is then employed to derive an explicit expression for the effective bulk modulus. A detailed parametric analysis is finally performed to investigate the influence of the geometric characteristics and elastic properties of the graded interphase zone for composites containing voids or solid/hollow inclusions.