On Direct and Indirect Scattering Approaches for Homogenization of Particulate Composites

TL;DR

This paper compares direct and indirect scattering approaches for homogenizing particulate composites, highlighting their capabilities and limitations in accounting for inclusion size, shape, and distribution.

Contribution

It clarifies the theoretical distinctions and applicability conditions of DSA and ISA in homogenization of particulate composites.

Findings

DSA is limited to isotropic media and simple-shaped inclusions

ISA can handle more complex inclusion geometries and anisotropic properties

Both approaches incorporate size-dependence and statistical distribution of inclusions

Abstract

Theoretical formalisms for the homogenization of particulate composites are identified as following either the direct scattering approach (DSA) or the indirect scattering approach (ISA). Both approaches can take inclusion size-dependence and distribution statistics into account. However, the DSA is generally limited to mediums with direction-independent constitutive properties and inclusions with simple shapes, but the ISA is not hobbled thus.