Effective properties for single size, rigid spherical inclusions in an elastic matrix

The main problem is that of determining the effective moduli for a compressible isotropic elastic medium containing single size, rigid, spherical inclusions at non-dilute concentrations. A solution is synthesized from available rigorous elasticity results that have been found under asymptotic conditions. Preliminary to obtaining this result for the compressible medium case, results are first found for the incompressible case over a range of rigid particle size distributions. All results extend from the dilute condition up through the full packing limit, which depends upon the size distribution. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.