Two new methods are available in Abaqus to couple analyses performed at different scales: mean field homogenisation (MFH) and FE-based Representative Volume Element (RVE). The objective is to predict the mechanical response of a structure using data from a smaller scale. These methods are particularly useful when studying complex materials or structures such as composite materials or lattice structures.

In this webinar, we will present the two methods:
- MFH, that uses an analytical calculation to describe the relationship between the scales and
- FE-RVE, that uses a FE model of the microstructure.

We will also look at the micromechanics plug-in that facilitates the generation of FE-RVE models and calculates the homogenised properties of a material that can then be used at the macro scale.

Many material that are used nowadays are composites: they consist of more than one material. To simulate a composite, different approaches can be taken at different length scales.

On the micro scale, a detailed model of all materials with their geometries and interaction can be made. This provides insight into the behavior of the combined material, but it can be difficult to determine boundary conditions that match realistic situations.