Multi-scale computational method for elastic bodies with global and local heterogeneity

Abstract

A multi-scale computational method using the homogenization theory and the finite element mesh superposition technique is presented for the stress analysis of composite materials and structures from both micro- and macroscopic standpoints. The proposed method is based on the continuum mechanics, and the micro–macro coupling effects are considered for a variety of composites with very complex microstructures. To bridge the gap of the length scale between the microscale and the macroscale, the homogenized material model is basically used. The classical homogenized model can be applied to the case that the microstructures are periodically arrayed in the structure and that the macroscopic strain field is uniform within the microscopic unit cell domain. When these two conditions are satisfied, the homogenization theory provides the most reliable homogenized properties rigorously to the continuum mechanics. This theory can also calculate the microscopic stresses as well as the macroscopic stresses, which is the most attractive advantage of this theory over other homogenizing techniques such as the rule of mixture. The most notable feature of this paper is to utilize the finite element mesh superposition technique along with the homogenization theory in order to analyze cases where non-periodic local heterogeneity exists and the macroscopic field is non-uniform. The accuracy of the analysis using the finite element mesh superposition technique is verified through a simple example. Then, two numerical examples of knitted fabric composite materials and particulate reinforced composite material are shown. In the latter example, a shell-solid connection is also adopted for the cost-effective multi-scale modeling and analysis.