Multiscale Modeling of Natural and Synthetic Materials

Denvid Lau, City University of Hong Kong
Ao Zhou, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen
Zechuan Yu, Wuhan University of Technology

The multiscale modeling is an important and effective tool in understanding the mechanics of natural and synthetic materials, possessing great potential for engineering applications.  The beauty of multi-scale modeling is that both the efficiency of macroscale model and accuracy of microscale model can be shared through considering simultaneously models at different scales.  Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation has evolved into a mature technique that can be used to investigate origins of materials performance at microscopic length scale.  These microscale investigations provide fundamental understandings for studies on multi-scale mechanics of materials following a bottom-up scheme.  Nanoscale origins of materials mechanics imply great potential of nanostructure design in development of high-performance materials, where MD simulation serves as a useful tool to study nanoscale structure-property relationship.  The finite element method (FEM) is the most prevalent numerical method among which are based on classical continuum mechanics theories.  FEM has been demonstrated to be capable of simulating various macroscale structural behavior of materials and structures.  This symposium will focus on the multi-scale modeling techniques, combining the MD method and FEM together to provide a cutting-edge research on development of materials and structural integrity under different conditions in civil and mechanical engineering.