Toward A Diffusing Continuum Theory of Composite Materials

Abstract

A theory of composite materials is proposed which is based on the continuum theory of mixtures. The constituents of a composite are modeled as superimposed continua which undergo individual deformations. Effects of structure on dynamical processes in composite materials are then simulated by specifying the coupling between the individual constituent motions. A novel feature of this model is the inclusion of diffusion with relative displacement coupling for perfectly bonded composites. A simple one-dimensional form of such a theory is presented, and, when compared with classical solutions for longitudinal wave propagation in laminated materials, predicts some aspects of the dynamical behavior extremely well.