Intrinsic Elastic Properties Research Articles

How the brain can be trained to achieve an intermittent control strategy for stabilizing quiet stance by means of reinforcement learning

The stabilization of human quiet stance is achieved by a combination of the intrinsic elastic properties of ankle muscles and an active closed-loop activation of the ankle muscles, driven by the delayed feedback of the ongoing sway angle and the corresponding angular velocity in a way of a delayed proportional (P) and derivative (D) feedback controller. It has been shown that the active component of the stabilization process is likely to operate in an intermittent manner rather than as a continuous controller: the switching policy is defined in the phase-plane, which is divided in dangerous and safe regions, separated by appropriate switching boundaries. When the state enters a dangerous region, the delayed PD control is activated, and it is switched off when it enters a safe region, leaving the system to evolve freely. In comparison with continuous feedback control, the intermittent mechanism is more robust and capable to better reproduce postural sway patterns in healthy people. However, the superior performance of the intermittent control paradigm as well as its biological plausibility, suggested by experimental evidence of the intermittent activation of the ankle muscles, leaves open the quest of a feasible learning process, by which the brain can identify the appropriate state-dependent switching policy and tune accordingly the P and D parameters. In this work, it is shown how such a goal can be achieved with a reinforcement motor learning paradigm, building upon the evidence that, in general, the basal ganglia are known to play a central role in reinforcement learning for action selection and, in particular, were found to be specifically involved in postural stabilization.

DFT study of intrinsic mechanical properties of Mn2AlB2

Mechanically strong materials are vital components of a high temperature tribosystem. We used density functional theory to investigate the intrinsic elastic and plastic properties of Mn2AlB2- a novel MAB phase tribomaterial. The most vulnerable slip system and direction of Mn2AlB2 are (100)[100] and [001], respectively. The ideal shear strength of Mn2AlB2 is 18.75 GPa and its ideal tensile strength is 20.56 GPa. The deformation mechanisms of Mn2AlB2 are closely related to its magnetic and bonding properties. The shear deformation mechanism involves the breaking of old bonds (i.e. Al-B), formation of new bonds (i.e. Mn-Al, Al-Al (along the a-axis)) and anisotropy of the existing bonds (i.e. Mn-B(short) and B-B). The lattice instability of Mn2AlB2 at the critical strains is triggered by abrupt changes in its magnetic behavior and subtle changes in its bonding properties. The predicted mode I, II and III fracture toughness of Mn2AlB2 are 1.88 MPa.m1/2, 1.58 MPa.m1/2 and 1.40 MPa.m1/2, respectively. This study elucidates the intrinsic mechanical behavior of Mn2AlB2 in terms of lattice stability and plasticity under different loading conditions for extreme environment applications.

Analysis of the acoustic seismic energy flux propagated through synthetic models formed by different structures

AbstractSeismic‐acoustic wavefield propagations on synthetic 2D models formed by different structural backgrounds are analysed in four test cases. These test cases were carried out employing staggered‐grid finite differences and absorbing boundaries of the convolutional perfectly matched layers type, which allowed analysing in a time of 7.0 s: (a) the seismic‐acoustic wavefield behaviour, (b) the kinetic seismic energy flux and potential seismic energy flux and (c) the energy differences (ΔKEF/ΔPEF) due to each type of proposed structure. In the first two test cases, a relationship was observed between average kinetic seismic energy flux/potential seismic energy flux values and the different structural densities ε of each synthetic model, which were formed by a similar type of structure (fractures). The average kinetic seismic energy flux values increased when ε decreased, whereas the average potential seismic energy flux values decreased when ε also decreased. The largest ΔKEF/ΔPEF values were observed for those models with more structures, reaching up to 0.2 × 108/0.21 × 108 J/m2 in the first test case and up to 1.95 × 108/1.91 × 108 J/m2 in the second test case. Meanwhile, for those models with less number of structures was 0.04 × 108/0 J/m2 in test case 1 and 0.26 × 108/0.61 × 108 J/m2 in test case 2. In the third test case, a relationship was observed between the average potential seismic energy flux values and the ε values, but not with the average kinetic seismic energy flux values, the synthetic models of which were formed by different types of structures (lobes and fractures under different shapes and sizes). The kinetic seismic energy fluxes were more affected by structures closer to each other than by those further apart. Meanwhile, the potential seismic energy fluxes were more affected by larger structures, maintaining a relationship with the seismic frequency and wavelength. The largest ΔKEF/ΔPEF values reached up to 3.42 × 108/3.24 × 108 J/m2 in model with the highest ε value, whereas up to 0.49 × 108/0.67 × 108 J/m2 in the model with the lowest ε value. In the fourth test case, similar types of structures (fractures) were analysed under different orientations in each model. The kinetic seismic energy fluxes/potential seismic energy fluxes were higher in the model formed by better‐oriented structures or parallel with respect to the propagation direction of the seismic‐acoustic wavefield. These energy differences between each test case show how not only the number of structures in a model and the ε values influenced the seismic‐acoustic wavefield and the kinetic seismic energy flux/potential seismic energy flux, but also the structural aspects, the intrinsic elastic properties (e.g. the density used in structures), location (separation between structures) and orientation of structures.

Passivity-Based Motion and Force Tracking Control for Constrained Elastic Joint Robots

In the past, several motion and force controls were successfully implemented on rigid-joint robots with constraints. With the invention of mechanically compliant robots, the focus on designing controllers for elastic joint robots with constraints is increasing, especially involving the complexity of the joint elasticity in control. Aiming to bridge the gap between the control schemes of rigid- and elastic-joint robots, this letter presents a controller consisting of a PD+ task-space tracking and integral force control, while the intrinsic inertial and elastic properties of the system are fully preserved. We provide a passivity analysis and prove uniform asymptotic stability of the equilibrium. Simulations on a planar two-armed benchmark system with constraints validate the proposed control law.

Incipient Slip Sensing for Improved Grasping in Robot Assisted Surgery

The limited grasping control available in Robot Assisted Surgery is considered a significant limitation of the technology. Traditionally the integration of haptic feedback has been proposed to resolve this issue but has found limited adoption. Here we investigate an alternate approach based on the concept of detecting localised slips caused by the intrinsic elastic properties of soft tissues. This method allows for the early detection of slip so that mitigating actions can be taken before gross slip can occur, allowing the grasper to minimise the force required to maintain stable grasp control. In this paper we detail the design of a sensor developed to detect incipient slip by monitoring the relative difference in tissue movement at the front and back of the grasper, caused by tissue slip. We then demonstrate the sensor’s efficacy for the early detection of slip, as well as its ability to automate grasping under representative surgical conditions, with the automated case providing comparable performance to one which uses the maximum allowable grasp force. This work provides evidence that the slip detection methodology developed is consistently able to detect incipient slip before macro slip occurs, thus offering a strong basis for its use in automating surgical grasping tasks to avoid tissue trauma and slip.

GAA Deficiency Disrupts Distal Airway Cells in Pompe Disease

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive glycogen storage disease caused by mutations in alpha‐glucosidase (GAA) ‐ an enzyme responsible of hydrolyzing lysosomal glycogen. GAA deficiency results in systemic lysosomal glycogen accumulation and cellular disruption. Skeletal muscle, motor neuron pathology and airway smooth muscle cells are known to contribute to respiratory insufficiency in Pompe disease, but the role of distal airway cells including alveolar type 1 and type 2 cells (AT1 and AT2, respectively) has not been evaluated. AT1 cells depend on lysosomes for cellular homeostasis to maintain a thin barrier for gas exchange whereas AT2 cells depend on lysosomal structures for surfactant production. Using an established mouse model of Pompe disease, the Gaa−/− mouse, we compared lung histology using Periodic acid‐Schiff staining, quantification of immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy, and pulmonary mechanics using forced oscillometry FlexiVent system, between Gaa−/− and age‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice. We also perfomed single cell‐RNA seq (scRNA‐seq) on the distal airways of Gaa‐/‐ mice. Lysosomal glycogen accumulation and engorged lamellar bodies were observed in the AT2 cells in Gaa−/− but not WT mice. Furthermore, AT2 positive surfactant protein‐C (SPC) staining and lysosomal positive lysosomal associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) staining is more evident with increased colocalization of LAMP1 with the type 2 cell marker after quantification of each marker in Gaa−/− airway cells. The Gaa−/− mice exhibited a significant decrease in total and central airway resistance (Rrs and Rn, respectively), as well as a significant increase in lung compliance (Crs) versus WT mice. Moreover, in the dimensionless and volume‐independent shape constant k that describes the curvature of the upper portion of the deflation limb of the Pressure‐Volume curves, a statistically significant change was observed in Gaa−/− mice. This indicates a change in the intrinsic elastic properties of the respiratory system in Pompe disease. Finally, a robust transcriptomic dysregulation in AT1 and AT2 cells was detected scRNA‐seq in Gaa‐/‐mice relative to WT mice. We conclude that GAA enzyme deficiency leads to glycogen accumulation in the distal airway stem cells that may contribute to respiratory impairments in Pompe disease. Our findings will inform the clinical care of patients with Pompe disease and will provide essential information for the development of novel therapies in Pompe disease that will address this airway pathology.

Exploiting interface patterning for adhesion control

Surface force-mediated adhesion, e.g. via van der Waals forces, is critical for direct bonding of bulk solids in the absence of chemical bonding or an adhesive layer. However, no two surfaces are ideally flat or perfectly conformal due to surface roughness or intentional patterning. When adhered, non-zero surface tractions arise wherever the local separation of the interface differs from its intrinsic equilibrium separation, inducing regions of tensile and compressive stresses. A fundamental understanding of such imperfect adhesion is important and unlocks opportunities to control interfacial strength and toughness in various applications including MEMS/NEMS, micro-transfer printing, and processes to manufacture advanced 3D integrated-circuits. This paper investigates the fundamentals of direct adhesion of non-conformal surfaces by examining the interplay of the (i) intrinsic traction-separation relation (TSR), (ii) interface topography, and (iii) elastic properties of the adhered bodies. The TSR adopted accounts for strong repulsion when the interface separation is less than the equilibrium separation, and only the normal surface tractions are considered. The effective TSR properties, including the overall adhesion strength and work of separation, are determined from numerical calculations. Simple closed-form solutions are obtained for rigid bulk solids. A finite element model utilizing cohesive elements in a periodic cell is constructed to study cases with non-uniform deformation in the elastic solids.

In-situ SEM compression of accordion-like multilayer MXenes

A relatively new and large class of materials, two-dimensional (2D) early transition metal carbides (MXenes), produced by etching of A elements from their parent MAX phases, have demonstrated outstanding performance in many applications. However, the mechanical behavior of MXenes, which is critical for device fabrication and performance, has not been sufficiently investigated. In this work we report the results from in-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) uniaxial compression experiments conducted on two types of multilayer accordion-like MXene particles, Ti2CTx and Ti3C2Tx, along both in-plane and out-of-plane directions. Significant anisotropic behavior was observed associated with progressive failure mechanisms. Molecular dynamics (MD) modeling was conducted to analyze the behavior of intact and defected monolayer Ti2C and Ti3C2 MXenes in tension and compression. Structural analysis for both in- and out-of-plane uniaxial compression is presented and compared with experimental data, revealing that the overall mechanism is controlled by the intrinsic elastic and plastic properties of MXenes, as well as their multilayer structures. The intrinsic material properties were estimated based on structural analysis from experimental results.

First-principles studies of intrinsic stacking fault energies and elastic properties of Al-based alloys

The intrinsic stacking fault (ISF) energies and elastic properties of pure Al with several common alloying elements (Be, Mg, Sc, Y, Ce) were studied by the first- principles calculations. It was found that Be increased the ISF energy of Al, and other atoms decreased the corresponding ISF energies. The underlying mechanism of the effects alloying atoms on the ISF energies of pure Al was explored from the aspect of electron density distribution involving both qualitative and quantitative analyses. In addition, the elastic properties including bulk modulus (B), shear modulus (G), Young’s modulus (E), B/G, Cauchy pressure (C12-C44), Poisson’s ratio (υ) and anisotropy (A) were calculated to study the mechanical behaviors of the alloyed pure Al. These results can provide theoretical guidance to the design of Al-based alloys.

P1538 Light exercise may induce an increase in the propagation velocity of naturally occurring shear waves

Abstract Background Shear waves (SW) are induced in the myocardium by the closure of the valves. Recent studies show variations in their propagation velocity with age, gender or pathology. However, these valve-induced waves occur during relaxation and contraction. This means that the instantaneous SW velocity, as measure for stiffness, might not only depend on the intrinsic elastic properties of the relaxed myocardium, but also on its contractility and the exact moment of valve closure. The latter can change with heart rate and loading conditions, which could induce variance in measurement. Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effect of light exercise on the propagation velocity of naturally occurring shear waves. Methods Ten healthy volunteers underwent high frame rate (over 500 Hz) color TDI studies at rest and during light physiological stress (handgrip exercise). Shear wave velocities were averaged over several heart beats. Values obtained were compared by using the Wilcoxon signed ranks test and a Bland-Altman analysis. Results The light physiological exercise test induced a small but statistically significant rise in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate (table). The shear wave velocity after aortic valve closure (ASW) could be quantified in each subject at rest and during stress. The shear wave tracking after mitral valve closure (MSW) was only feasible for 8 subjects at rest and 6 during stress. There was an average difference of 0.4 ± 0.3 m/s (LOA= -0.18 to 0.97 m/s) between stress and rest measurements for the ASW velocity, which was statistically significant(p = 0.01, Figure). For the MSW the average difference was 0.02 ± 0.5 m/s (LOA= -1.02 to 1.06 m/s), p = 0.9. Conclusion We observed a statistically significant rise in the shear wave velocity after aortic valve closure but not after mitral closure during a light exercise. Although the statistical power of this study is relatively small, the results may suggest that naturally occurring shear waves velocity can be influenced by heart rate and loading conditions. Table Parameter Rest Stress P Age [yr] 30 ± 6 - - BMI [kg/m2] 22 ± 2 - - Heartrate [bpm] 62 ± 7 67 ± 8 <0.01 Systolic blood pressure [mmHg] 106 ± 13 110 ± 10 0.08 Diastolic blood pressure [mmHg] 62 ± 9 67 ± 9 0.01 Aortic shear wave velocity [m/s] 3.26 ± 0.4 3.65 ± 0.7 0.01 Mitral shear wave velocity [m/s] 4.56 ± 0.7 4.83 ± 0.8 0.9 Abstract P1538 Figure

Intrinsic and Defect-Related Elastic Moduli of Boron Nitride Nanotubes As Revealed by in Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy.

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are promising for mechanical applications owing to the high modulus, high strength, and inert chemical nature. However, up to now, precise evaluation of their elastic properties and their relation to defects have not been experimentally established. Herein, the intrinsic elastic modulus of BNNTs and its dependence on intrinsic and deliberately irradiation-induced extrinsic defects have been studied via an electric-field-induced high-order resonance technique inside a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Resonances up to fourth order for normal modes and third order for parametric modes have been initiated in the cantilevered tubes, and the recorded frequencies are well consistent with the theoretical calculations with a discrepancy of ∼1%. The elastic moduli of the BNNTs measured from high-order resonance is about 906.2 GPa on average, with a standard deviation of 9.3%, which is found to be closely related to the intrinsic defect as cavities in the nanotube walls. Furthermore, electron irradiation in HRTEM has been used to study the effects of defects to elastic moduli and to evaluate the radiation resistance of the BNNTs. Along with an increase in the irradiation dose, the outer diameter has linearly reduced due to the knock-on effects. A defective shell with nearly constant thickness has been formed on the outer surface, and as a result, the elastic modulus decreases gradually to ∼662.9 GPa, which is still 3 times that of steel. Excellent intrinsic elastic properties and decent radiation-resistance prove that BNNTs could be a material of choice for applications in extreme environments, such as those existing in space.

Realization and direct observation of five normal and parametric modes in silicon nanowire resonators by in situ transmission electron microscopy.

Mechanical resonators have wide applications in sensing bio-chemical substances, and provide an accurate method to measure the intrinsic elastic properties of oscillating materials. A high resonance order with high response frequency and a small resonator mass are critical for enhancing the sensitivity and precision. Here, we report on the realization and direct observation of high-order and high-frequency silicon nanowire (Si NW) resonators. By using an oscillating electric-field for inducing a mechanical resonance of single-crystalline Si NWs inside a transmission electron microscope (TEM), we observed resonance up to the 5th order, for both normal and parametric modes at ∼100 MHz frequencies. The precision of the resonant frequency was enhanced, as the deviation reduced from 3.14% at the 1st order to 0.25% at the 5th order, correlating with the increase of energy dissipation. The elastic modulus of Si NWs was measured to be ∼169 GPa in the [110] direction, and size scaling effects were found to be absent down to the ∼20 nm level.

Guided wave elastography of layered soft tissues

In vivo mechanical characterization of soft biological tissues has broad applications ranging from disease diagnosis to tissue engineering. Shear wave elastography based on the bulk wave theory has been widely used to measure the mechanical properties of soft tissues. Given that most soft tissues basically have layered structures, the dispersive feature of elastic waves should be considered when the thickness of the interested layer is comparable to or smaller than the wavelength. Bearing this fundamental issue in mind, we propose an ultrasound-based guided wave elastography (GWE) method to characterize the mechanical properties of layered soft tissues. The dispersion relations of guided waves in layered structures were derived first, and its explicit expression was achieved. An inverse approach based on the dispersion relation to characterize the mechanical properties of layered soft tissues was then established. Both finite element analysis (FEA) and phantom experiments were carried out to validate the new method. In vivo experiments on forearm skin demonstrate the usefulness of the present method in characterizing layered soft tissues. Statement of significanceLayered soft tissues and artificial soft materials are ubiquitous in both nature and engineering. Imaging their in vivo/in situ mechanical properties finds important applications and remains a great challenge to date. Here, we propose an ultrasound-based guided wave elastography method to in vivo/in situ characterize the elastic properties of layered soft materials. We validate the method via finite element analysis and phantom experiments and further demonstrate its usefulness in practice by performing in vivo measurements on forearm skins. Given that the dispersive feature of elastic waves in layered soft media is considered in our method, it provides the opportunity to assess the intrinsic elastic properties of an individual layer in a non-destructive manner as shown in our experiments.

Effective elastic properties of plane micropolar nano-composites with interface flexural effects

We consider the effective shear and bulk moduli of a micropolar nano-composite in which the interface between individual constituents incorporates intrinsic micropolar elastic properties associated with both extensibility and flexural stiffness. Specifically, we are concerned with the representative problem describing plane deformations of an inhomogeneity-matrix composite in which a circular inhomogeneity is embedded in an infinite micropolar material subjected to arbitrary remote loading. Our main interest lies in the additional contribution of interfacial bending and twisting rigidities to the interface effect and how each influences the mechanical properties of the composite. Using a model of the micropolar interface established in a previous paper by the authors, we present an analytical solution of the problem using two Airy-type stress potentials. This solution is then used to calculate the effective shear and bulk moduli of the corresponding nano-composite with special attention paid to the flexural resistance of the interface and its influence on the size-dependency of the effective moduli. We note also as a check of our results that, in the absence of interfacial flexural rigidity, our solution recovers precisely the results in the literature presented for the effective moduli of a micropolar composite whose interface effect incorporates only membrane type resistance.

Comparison of thermal and elastic properties of sandstones: Experiments and theoretical insights

We measured P-wave velocity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity on 26 sandstone samples under dry and water-saturated conditions. Subsequently, we compared these measurements with predictions by frequently used models.Overall, these three properties decrease with porosity and increase with water saturation. Comparing data sets and models, we distinguish three main groups of sandstone samples: From the difference in the intrinsic elastic and thermal properties of the dominant mineral, two tendencies attributed to either quartz or another rock forming mineral are identified, which separate class 1 sandstone and samples from class 2 sandstones. Within class 1 clean sandstones, a sub-class (sub-class 1a) consists of similarly porous samples having different elastic and thermal properties. Based on elasticity, we attribute this effect to microcracks or grain contacts in the samples. While this feature does not affect the total porosity, it affects all of three physical properties strongly and in a similar way. Additionally, we define a second sub-class (sub-class 1b) for Fontainebleau sandstone with porosities above 13%. For these four samples, the effect of water saturation on the elastic and thermal properties is different.

Intrinsic defect processes and elastic properties of Ti3AC2 (A = Al, Si, Ga, Ge, In, Sn) MAX phases

Mn+1AXn phases (M = early transition metal; A = group 13–16 element and X = C or N) have a combination of advantageous metallic and ceramic properties, and are being considered for structural applications particularly where high thermal conductivity and operating temperature are the primary drivers: for example in nuclear fuel cladding. Here, we employ density functional theory calculations to investigate the intrinsic defect processes and mechanical behaviour of a range of Ti3AC2 phases (A = Al, Si, Ga, Ge, In, Sn). Based on the intrinsic defect reaction, it is calculated that Ti3SnC2 is the more radiation-tolerant 312 MAX phase considered herein. In this material, the C Frenkel reaction is the lowest energy intrinsic defect mechanism with 5.50 eV. When considering the elastic properties of the aforementioned MAX phases, Ti3SiC2 is the hardest and Ti3SnC2 is the softest. All the MAX phases considered here are non-central force solids and brittle in nature. Ti3SiC2 is elastically more anisotropic and Ti3AlC2 is nearly isotropic.

Size extensivity of elastic properties of alkane fragments

Using MP2, CCSD, and B3LYP methods of computational chemistry, we show length dependence in the intrinsic elastic properties of short alkane fragments. For isolated alkane fragments of finite length in the gas phase and zero temperature, the intrinsic elasticity constants are found to vary with the number of carbon atoms and its parity. From extrapolation of the elasticity constants calculations to infinite chain length, and by comparing with in-situ elasticity constant of single poly(ethylene) molecule obtained with atomic force microscopy, we estimate the softening effect of environment on the extension response of the polymer.

Effective Constitutive Response of Sustainable Next Generation Infrastructure Materials through High-Fidelity Experiments and Numerical Simulation

Design of novel infrastructure materials requires a proper understanding of the influence of microstructure on the desired performance. The priority is to seek new and innovative ways to develop sustainable infrastructure materials using natural resources and industrial solid wastes in a manner that is ecologically sustainable and yet economically viable. Structural materials are invariably designed based on mechanical performance. Accurate prediction of effective constitutive behavior of highly heterogeneous novel structural materials with multiple microstructural phases is a challenging task. This necessitates reliable classification and characterization of constituent phases in terms of their volume fractions, size distributions and intrinsic elastic properties, coupled with numerical homogenization technique. This paper explores a microstructure-guided numerical framework that derives inputs from nanoindentation and synchrotron x-ray tomography towards the prediction of effective constitutive response of novel sustainable structural materials so as to enable microstructure-guided design.

Structural, electronic, sodium diffusion and elastic properties of Na–P alloy anode for Na-ion batteries: Insight from first-principles calculations

Sodium-ion batteries (NIBs) as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have recently received great attentions because of the relatively high abundance of sodium. Searching for suitable anode materials has always been a hot topic in the field of NIB study. Recent reports show that phosphorus-based materials are potential as the anode materials for NIBs. Using first-principles calculations, herein, we study the atomic and electronic structures, diffusion dynamics and intrinsic elastic properties of various Na–P alloy compounds (NaP5, Na3P[Formula: see text], NaP and Na3P) as the intermediate phases during Na extraction/insertion in phosphorus-based anode materials. It is found that all the crystalline phases of Na–P alloy phases considered in our study are semiconductors with band gaps larger than that of black phosphorus (BP). The calculations of Na diffusion dynamics indicate a relatively fast Na diffusion in these materials, which is important for good rate performance. In addition, the diffusion channels of sodium ions are one-dimensional in NaP5 phase and three-dimensional in other three phases (Na3P[Formula: see text], NaP and Na3P). Elastic constant calculations indicate that all four phases are mechanically stable. Among them, however, NaP5, Na3P[Formula: see text] and NaP alloy phases are ductile, while the fully sodiated phase Na3P is brittle. In order to improve the electrochemical performance of Na–P alloy anodes for NIBs, thus, promoting ductility of Na–P phase with high sodium concentration may be an effective way.

A microstructure-guided constitutive modeling approach for random heterogeneous materials: Application to structural binders

This paper presents a microstructure-guided modeling approach to predict the effective elastic response of heterogeneous materials, and demonstrates its application toward two highly heterogeneous, unconventional structural binders, i.e., iron carbonate and fly ash geopolymer. Microstructural information from synchrotron X-ray tomography (XRT) and intrinsic elastic properties of component solid phases from statistical nanoindentation are used as the primary inputs. The virtual periodic 3D microstructure reconstructed using XRT, along with periodic boundary conditions is used as a basis for strain-controlled numerical simulation scheme in the linear elastic range to predict the elastic modulus as well as the stresses in the microstructural phases. The elastic modulus of the composite material predicted from the microstructure-based constitutive modeling approach correlates very well with experimental measurements for both the materials considered. This technique efficiently links the microstructure to mechanical properties of interest and helps develop material design guidelines for novel heterogeneous composites.