Optimal lower bounds on the dilatational strain inside random two-phase composites subjected to hydrostatic loading

Composites made from two linear isotropic elastic materials are considered. It is assumed that only the volume fraction of each elastic material is known. The composite is subjected to a uniform hydrostatic strain. For this case lower bounds on all rth moments of the dilatational strain field inside each phase are obtained for r ⩾ 2. A lower bound on the maximum value of the dilatational strain field is also obtained. These bounds are given in terms of the volume fractions of the component materials. All of these bounds are shown to be the best possible as they are attained by the dilatational strain field inside the Hashin-Shtrikman coated sphere assemblage. The bounds provide a new opportunity for the assessment of the local dilatational strain in terms of a statistical description of the microstructure.