Prediction of effective yield strength domain for random heterogeneous materials

A random heterogeneous material is represented by a family of microstructures. It is assumed that the random distribution of these microstructures in a representative volume satisfies a condition of perfect mix. The determination of microstructure stress fields then leads to a prediction of the effective yield strength domain. This homogenization method is validated by comparing the provided tensile strength of a biphasic material to that obtained directly by a structure calculus.