On analytical estimates of the effective elastic properties of polycrystalline silicon

Several analytical approaches can be utilized to estimate the elastic properties of polycrystalline silicon. In experimental studies, the notion of an macroscopically isotropic aggregate is introduced while the single crystals obey cubic symmetry. We here give a synopsis on analytical approaches to predict elastic properties and apply them to estimate effective parameters of polycrystalline silicon. Here, the predictions are based on the parameters associated with shear solely. The results are juxtaposed in terms of the approaches applied, while different measures are introduced for evaluation. In comparison with experimental findings, the geometric mean implies a reasonable estimation for the elastic properties of polycrystalline silicon.