Estimation of elastic moduli of particulate-reinforced composites using finite element and modified Halpin-Tsai models

In this paper, the effect of particle geometry on Young's modulus for particulate-reinforced composites was estimated using finite elements analysis (FEA) and modified Halpin-Tsai (HT) equations, including not only the effect of the aspect ratio but also the particle shape. This modified HT model includes a new parameter (a) which depends on the angle of the particle corners. FEA was used as a starting point to find the composites behavior depending on the reinforcement features, results that were compared to experimental values. Young's moduli and stresses distribution were estimated using an AlA356/SiC(p) composite as starting material . Selected particle geometries for modeling were cylinders, truncated cylinders, double cones, and double-truncated cones; while aspect ratios were modified from 0.6 to 1.8. There was an excellent agreement between experimental results, FEA, and modified Halpin-Tsai estimations, showing that the predicting ability of the Halpin-Tsai model could be improved by introducing different shape parameters.