Multi-Scale Homogenization for 3D Multiphase Composites: Development of Robust Software Tools for Material/Structural Characterization Across Length Scales

Abstract : Synthetic and natural micro-architectures occur frequently and multiphase functionally graded composites are becoming increasingly popular for applications requiring optimized/tailored material properties. When dealing with such materials computationally one issue which immediately arises is the analysis of the mechanical properties of macroscopically inhomogeneous multi-scale structures. The bulk response can be determined by performing full finite element analysis; i.e., with entire geometry discretized at a resolution high enough to model the smallest length scale of interest. However, analyzing these full models may only be possible with the help of supercomputers. Additionally, in an iterative optimization process where performance may be evaluated thousands of times, full FEA simulations become highly impractical. As an alternative, a novel two stage approach to solving such large problem by performing element-by-element homogenization of the micro-structure followed by solving the global problem with a coarser mesh was explored. Results for elasto-statics case showed the approach can provide a viable path from high-resolution 3D imagery through multiscale (two scale) analysis. The approach is now being implemented in code for future release in a version of Simpleware ScanIP, to be applicable for a broad range of physics beyond simply elasto-static loading.