Multi-scale framework for the thermo-viscoelastic analyses of polymer composites

This paper presents a multi-scale framework for analyzing coupled heat conduction and viscoelastic deformation of polymers reinforced with solid spherical particles. The viscoelastic and thermal properties of the polymer constituents are temperature dependent. A simplified micromechanical model for the particle reinforced composite is formulated to obtain the effective thermal properties and viscoelastic responses. The micromechanical model is implemented at material points within elements in the finite element (FE) analyses.