Mechanical Property Evaluation of Composites Based on n+1 Phase Model and Mori–Tanaka Theory

Abstract

A new micromechanical model is developed for the prediction of the elastic properties of composite materials with embedded spherical multicoated inhomogeneities of various sizes and types. The model is based on the n+1 phase model and the Mori–Tanaka homogenization. The model is capable of treating each coated spherical inhomogeneity individually, including specific attributes such as particle size and multiple mechanical phases. The accuracy of the model is assessed by comparing it with classical bounds and an analytical model from the literature. The results of the model are also compared with experimental data for the case of a three-phase composite material. The influence of mechanical properties and volume fraction of various constituents on the bulk elastic properties is also studied for the case of multiphase complex materials.