Further studies on Mori–Tanaka models for thermal expansion coefficients of composites

Abstract

The relations of Mori–Tanaka (M–T) model for thermal expansion coefficients (CTEs) of composites are derived following a regular procedure to compare with other two different expressions of M–T model often used for modeling thermal properties of nanocomposites. It is verified that by correcting the related parameters mis-determined all the relations are consistent and can provide same predicting results. This clarifies the confused information in literature concerning the M–T model on CTEs. Some issues are discussed and attentions are suggested in appropriate use of different relations of M–T models. Comparisons of M–T model with other related theory models on CTEs are made by numerical results, which show some advantages of M–T relations over other models in applications. The related expressions of M–T model on CTEs are summed up under self-consistent coordinate systems for convenience of practical use.