Computational modeling of microstructures

Abstract

This article describes four examples of analysis of the deformation and failure of microstructures. These examples are part of a wider study of micromechanical processes in materials within, what amounts to, a new field, Computational Micromechanics. The first two are concerned with the development of shear bands in ductile single crystals and polycrystals. The third describes the deformation and failure of composite materials. The fourth deals with the failure of interfaces through separation. Physical theories for crystallographic slip and interface decohesion have been formulated and implemented in finite element models. Supercomputers allow these theories to be applied to problems involving large geometries and complex deformation modes.