Thermal and Thermoelastic Properties of Isotropic Composites

Abstract

The results of theoretical estimates are given for several thermal and thermoelastic constants of macroscopically isotropic composite materials. The composites considered consist of random mixtures of N isotropic constituents, at least ( N — 1) of which are presumed to be distributed in a particulate fashion, with the particles roughly spherical in shape. The results are based on "self-consistent" calcula tions, details of which are given in appendices. Equations (some of which are old, but are repeated for con venience) are given for the following quantities: elastic constants, thermal expansion coefficients, heat capacities (at constant volume and constant pressure), thermal conductivity, and, finally, Gruneisen and related constants.