Structure analysis of the modified cast metal matrix composites by use of the RVE theory

Abstract

The paper presents applications of a new theory of the representative volume element (RVE) based on the Mityushev-Eisenstein-Rayleigh sums (M-sums) to describe particle-reinforced composites. This theory is applied to study F3K.10Smetalmatrix composites reinforced SiC particles. The most important M-sum e2 is calculated for the initial state as e2 = -0.00206281. This shows considerable heterogeneity of distribution of reinforcing particles and its anisotropic properties. Further, the results are compared with the results obtained by the FSP. It is established that the use of a single FSPprocesscauses a significant change in the distribution of particles reinforcing phase when the value e2 becomes 3.19488. It follows from Mityushev's theory that e2=π corresponds to isotropic distributions. The article confirms that the new RVEtheoryresolves the problem of the constructive pure geometrical description of the properties of composites. Further work requires the optimization and extension of the theory to three-dimensional models.