The joint effect of shape and size of reinforcement on progressive damage of random composites

The properties of composites made by placing inclusions in a matrix are often controlled by the shape and size of the particles. In order to study the joint effect of shape and size of inclusions, we characterize the random shape of particles in composite mathematically by applying Fourier series, then generating random mesostructure of composite for cases of inclusions with (1) same size and different shape, (2) different size and same shape, or (3) random size and shape. Crack paths and effective stress–strain curves of these cases are predicted using spring network method which is given in detail. The study shows we need more elaborate statistical evaluation due to the random nature of composites. This paper outlines an approach to study effect of inclusion geometry on the elastic properties and crack of random composites.