The macroscopic properties of composite materials depend on the microscopic properties of the constituents and the geometric arrangement of their phases. Therefore, it is essential to predict heterogeneous materials’ mechanical properties by simulating microstructural finite element models. The present article aims to analyze particle reinforced composites composed of spherical alumina inclusions surrounded by a glass matrix using a tridimensional representative volume element. Herein, microstructures are artificially created considering a regular or random arrangement of the inclusions. Two materials systems previously studied in the literature were analyzed. The discretization of the models was performed to have periodic mesh, thus enabling the use of periodic boundary conditions. A finite element model is created using Abaqus software. Numerical results show that the macroscopic properties can be estimated with high accuracy for the temperature where linear matrix behavior stands. The predictions were compared to experimental data from the literature. The models with a regular arrangement of inclusions show a difference inferior to 10%, while random arrangements show a difference inferior to 3.9%. The developed numerical algorithms can be modified to include new features, such as other dispersed phase arrangements or nonlinear material behavior.

This paper emphasizes the influence of micro mechanisms of failure of a cellular material on its phenomenological response. Most of the applications of cellular materials comprise a compression loading. Thus, the study focuses on the influence of the anisotropy in the mechanical behavior of cellular material under cyclic compression loadings. For this study, a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique (named Correli) was applied, as well as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) images were analyzed. The experimental results are discussed in detail for a closed-cell rigid poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) foam, showing stress-strain curves in different directions and why the material can be assumed as transversely isotropic. Besides, the present paper shows elastic and plastic Poisson's ratios measured in different planes, explaining why the plastic Poisson's ratios approach to zero. Yield fronts created by the compression loadings in different directions and the influence of spring-back phenomenon on hardening curves are commented, also.