Random-walk-based estimates of transport properties in small specimens of composite materials.

A method based on random walks is developed for estimating the dc conductance and similar transport properties in small specimens of composite materials. The method is valid over a much wider range of material structures than are asymptotic methods, and requires only that the internal structure of the material be known. The error in its estimates is limited primarily by CPU speed. It is found to work best for composites consisting of a bulk conducting phase and inclusions of lower conductivity.