ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the hierarchy of microcrack and especially porosity dependence of properties. It provides the necessary background primarily for evaluating the porosity, and secondarily the microcrack, dependence of properties. Modeling of porosity effects on physical properties is an extensive and complex subject because of the greater diversity of pore character. Pore parameters to be considered include the pore modality, the dimensions and coordination number of the pores or solid elements defining the pores, whether the pores are open or closed, pore size and shape as noted earlier, as well as the solid bond area between pores or particles. The chapter then presents idealizations of pores and microcracks for modeling, followed by an evaluation of what parameters are needed and effective for modeling and discussion of actual pore and microcrack characterization. The complexities of microcracks arises basically from their more challenging, hence less developed, characterization, due mainly to their typically very small, and probably variable, opening.
