Electric field distributions in 3D composites with a random spatial distribution of particles

What is it about?

Composites consisting of nanosized particles embedded in a host matrix are of great interest for the development of new electromagnetic materials with tailored properties. In many respects they perform like a homogeneous material as long as the wavelength is large compared with the length scale of the inhomogeneities. However, heterogeneity leads to spatial fluctuations of the internal electric fields. In this work we use numerical simulations to investigate 3D systems of monodisperse impenetrable spheres dispersed in a continuous matrix phase. Our statistical analysis reveals, that even for random spatial distributions of particles the local field strengths in both constituents, namely particles and matrix, can exceed the respective mean values by far.

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Photo by Trophim Lapteff on Unsplash

Photo by Trophim Lapteff on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Electromagnetic applications of composites often impose constraints on the internal electric fields, such as an upper limit on the field strength to prevent local heating or dielectric breakthrough. This may be the case, e.g., in materials with enhanced permittivity that are used for electronic devices such as capacitors or for electrical energy storage. But spatial fluctuations of internal fields are also important in biological systems: for moderate thermal heating via high-frequency radiation - as in diathermy in medicine - damage due to excessively elevated local temperatures must be avoided. The methods we apply here can also be used in further investigations of more complex systems, including lossy materials and agglomerating particles.