Strong coupling methods in multi-phase and multi-scale modeling of inelastic behavior of heterogeneous structures Original Research Article

In this work we address several issues pertaining to efficiency of the computational approach geared towards modeling of inelastic behavior of a heterogeneous structure, which is represented by a multi-scale model. We elaborate in particular upon the case where the scales remain coupled throughout the computations, implying a constant communication between the finite element models employed at each scale, and only briefly comment upon our treatment of inelastic analysis of a more classical case where the scales can be separated. We also discuss different manners of representing a complex multi-phase microstructure within the framework of the finite element model constructed at that scale, selecting a model problem of two-phase material where each phase has potentially different inelastic behavior. Several numerical examples are given to further illustrate the presented theoretical considerations.