Computational homogenization in magneto-mechanics

This work presents a geometrically nonlinear homogenization framework for composites with magneto-mechanical behavior whereby the composite can be subject to large deformation processes. The magneto-mechanical governing equations in the material description for both the overall body and its microstructure are presented, and the connections between micro- and macro-scale field variables are identified. Considering periodic boundary conditions for the microscopic unit cell, a finite element framework for computing the macroscopic field variables and the effective tangent moduli is developed. The proposed methodology is utilized to study a variety of two- and three-dimensional numerical examples. In particular, the behavior of fiber and particle reinforced composites with magneto-mechanical constitutive laws are illustrated. Finally, a specific physically motivated problem of a magnetorheological elastomer, consisting of a polymer matrix and iron particles, under finite deformation and applied magnetic field is analyzed and the results are given for several combinations of deformation modes and applied magnetic fields. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.