Structure-property correlations in model composite materials

We investigate the effective properties (conductivity, diffusivity, and elastic moduli) of model random composite media derived from Gaussian random fields and overlapping hollow spheres. The morphologies generated in the models exhibit low percolation thresholds and give a realistic representation of the complex microstructure observed in many classes of composites. The statistical correlation functions of the models are derived and used to evaluate rigorous bounds on each property. Simulation of the effective conductivity is used to demonstrate the applicability of the bounds. The key morphological features that effect composite properties are discussed. © 1996 The American Physical Society.