Numerous analytical models exist for determination of the elastic moduli for particulate reinforced composites, of which the Voigt and the Reuss models which represent the upper and lower bounds are the most common. When applied to particulate composites, the Reuss micromechanical model is more accurate than the Voigt micromechanical model, as exemplified by the errors between predicted values of stiffness and experimentally obtained results of (6.2, 7.6 and 6.8)% and (49.5, 73.2 and 86.2)% , for the two models, respectively for silicon oxide nano particles of diameters (12, 20 and 40 nm), respectively, used to reinforce modified epoxy resin. Other models used to predict the mechanical properties of composites include numerical modelling and analytical modelling based on representative volume elements (RVEs), Isotropised Voigt-Reuss model, strain gradient plasticity theory, and comparative numerical and analytical modelling based on an RVE.
Author(s) Details:
Maina Maringa,
Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Private Bag X20539, 20 President Brand Street Westdene, Bloemfontein, 9300, Free State, South Africa.
