Inverse homogenization problem: Evaluation of elastic and electrical (thermal) properties of composite constituents

The methodology of evaluation of the elastic and electrical/thermal properties of composite constituents from measurements of the overall properties of heterogeneous material is proposed and verified by comparison with experimental data available in the literature and with results of direct Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. A theoretical approach is based on the solution of the inverse homogenization problem in the frameworks of the Non-Interaction approximation, Maxwell and Mori-Tanaka-Benveniste micromechanical models. Sensitivity of the results to the shape of inhomogeneities and contrast in matrix/inhomogeneities properties is discussed. It is observed that reconstruction of matrix properties is generally more accurate in comparison with properties of inhomogeneities.