Wave propagation in 0-3/3-3 connectivity composites with complex microstructure

This work presents a study of the properties of particulate composites. The whole range of particle volume fraction (0-1) and ideal 0-3, 3-3 and inter mediate 0-3/3-3 connectivities are analysed. Two different approaches to pr oduce a realistic model of the complex microstructure of the composites are considered. The first one is based on a random location of mono-dispersed particles in the matrix; while the second incorporates a size distribution of the particles based on experimental measurements. Different particle sha pes are also considered. A commercial finite element package was used to st udy the propagation of acoustic plane waves through the composite materials . Due to the complexity of the problem, and as a first step, a two-dimensio nal model was adopted. The results obtained for the velocity of sound propa gation from the finite element technique are compared with those from other theoretical approaches and with experimental data. The study validates the use of this technique to model acoustic wave propagation in 0-3/3-3 connec tivity composites. In addition, the finite element calculations, along with the detailed description of the microstructure of the composite, provide v aluable information about the micromechanics of the sample and the influenc e of the microstructure on macroscopic properties. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.