Modeling of physical properties of composite materials

Recent progress in three different areas involving the modeling of the physical properties of composites is reviewed. These include: (i) theoretical approaches to microstructure/property relations; (ii) X-ray microtomography, an imaging technique that enables one to obtain high-resolution three-dimensional microstructural phase information of a composite sample in a non-intrusive manner; and (ii) topology optimization, a promising numerical technique that enables one to design composites with tailored material properties. Current limitations and future research needs are described. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.