Concept of the CPA

Schematic diagram of the model composite used in the self-consistent effective medium theory, often called the CPA, or coherent potential approximation. The true composite is replaced by a large sphere (dashed circle) containing spherical inclusions of both type-1 and type-2 constituents in the proper relative proportions. The matrix (type-*) is composed of a material with adjustable elastic constants. When there is no net scattering, the composite and matrix presumably have the same effective properties.

Another Effective Medium Theory Concept

References