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

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. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.