On the effective conductivity of composite materials

A composite conductive material, which consists of fibers of a high conductivity in a matrix of low conductivity, is discussed. The effective conductivity of the system considered is calculated in Clausius-Mossotti approximation. Obtained relationships can be used to calculate the conductivity of a matrix, using experimentally measured parameters. Electric fields in the matrix and the inclusions are calculated. It is shown that the field in a low-conductivity matrix can be much higher than the external applied one.