The static mass density of a composite is simply the volume average of its constituents’ densities. The dynamic density of a composite is defined to be the quantity that enters in evaluating the elastic wave velocity at the low-frequency limit. We show through a rigorous derivation that the effective dynamic mass density of an inhomogeneous mixture can differ from its static counterpart when the composite matrix is a fluid or, more generally, when there are relative motions between the matrix and inclusions. Derivation of the dynamic mass density expressions, involving taking the long wavelength limit of the rigorous multiple scattering theory, is detailed for the two-dimensional case. We also extend the effective dynamic mass density expression to finite frequencies where there can be low-frequency resonances. By combining both analytical and numerical approaches, negative or complex dynamic mass density is obtained for composites that contain a sufficient fraction of locally resonant inclusions. Thus, the dynamic mass density of a composite can differ from the static (volume-averaged) value even in the zero frequency limit, although both must be positive in that limit. Negative or complex dynamic mass density can occur at finite frequencies. These two results are shown to be consistent with each other, as well as related by the same underlying physics. As by-products of our rigorous derivation, we also verify some prior known results on the effective elastic moduli of composites.

• Received 2 May 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.76.134205