A model of stiffness of normal interaction of spherical particl es embedded in matrix

Abstract

A model of a normal interaction of deformable spherical particl es embedded in matrix is examined analytically. Normal interaction was modelled by linearly elastic one dimensional springs transferring axial forces only. Two, upper and lower, limits of an axial stiffness of the spring for the normal interaction are proposed and validated using a 3D finite element analysis with different ratios of elastic moduli of particles and matrix and distances between particles. The validation showed that the results of FEM are between the proposed limits of stiffness of the normal interaction for a connecting element with particles stiffer than interface member.