Structural cell of particulate elastomeric composites under extension and compression

A unit cell of a specified shape under specified loading conditions has been investigated under extension and compression to get insight into microstructural mechanisms controlling macroscopic behavior of particulate polymeric composites. A variety of the boundary-value problems in the framework of large deformations have been solved. The comparative analysis has been carried out aimed at the clarifying the difference between the extended and compressed states of structural cells. The calculations have corroborated greater strength of cells under compression that agree well with common practice. It was established that, in the cells under compression, the separation of the matrix from the inclusion takes place instantly as with the loss of stability in contrast to quiet evolution in extension. It was found out that pore growth in cells under compression is four to five times lesser than under extension