Effective elastic property estimation for bi-continuous heterogeneous solids

In the present study we performed finite element simulation for bi-continuous heterogeneous solids via a random distribution of materials to predict effective elastic properties. With a random distributing scheme, a statistical analysis via finite element becomes feasible for the multiphase heterogeneous solids. Using a two-phase bi-continuous material as example, the numerical prediction of the effective properties is obtained in terms of a mean value and standard deviation with a sample size of 30 for each of given volume fraction. The finite element simulation results fall within the analytical bounds proposed by Hashin and Shtrikman (1963) based on the principle of variation. Comparison between the effective modulus based on the present bio-continuous morphology with the matrix-fiber configuration shows big difference.