Microstructure-Free Finite Element Modeling for Elasticity Characterization and Design of Fine-Particulate Composites

The microstructure-based finite element modeling (MB-FEM) of material representative volume (RVE) is a widely used tool in the characterization and design various composites. However, MB-FEM has number deficiencies, e.g., time-consuming generation workable geometric model, challenge achieving high volume-fractions inclusions, poor quality mesh. In this paper, we first demonstrate that for particulate composites particle inclusions have homogeneous distribution random orientation, if ratio characteristic length to RVE size adequately small, elastic properties characterized from are independent shape size. Based on fact, propose microstructure-free (MF-FEM) approach eliminate deficiencies MB-FEM. MF-FEM generates uniform mesh brick elements RVE, then elements, with their total determined by desired fraction randomly selected assigned inclusions; rest set matrix. Numerical comparison showed similar accuracy as predicted properties. was validated against experimental data reported literature compared micromechanical models. results show composite small contrast phase properties, excellent agreement both large volume-fraction there exist significant differences between proposed may become more effective than engineers novel