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Predicting Mechanical Properties Using Continuum Mechanics-Based Approach: Micro-mechanics and Finite Element Analysis

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Theory and Modeling of Polymer Nanocomposites

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 310))

Abstract

The mechanical properties of nano-structured materials are important field of exploration in the fields of materials science and other engineering disciplines. Thorough understanding of underlying material structure and resulting properties require a variety of tools depending on the length scales of interest. This chapter reviews continuum mechanics-based techniques, with an emphasis on micro-scale modeling techniques: analytical and computational. In addition to micro-mechanics, different approaches to multiscale modeling are presented. With the appropriate choice of techniques, models can be bridged across multiple length scales leading to mechanistic understanding of the mechanics of materials. Some illustrative examples are also discussed that utilize the techniques presented here.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the help from Valeriy Ginzburg, Mike Cheatham, Jason Brodil and Julia Woertink in preparing this manuscript. Pavan wants to express his gratitude to Dow Inc. for supporting this effort.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research and Development, Packaging and Specialty Plastics, Dow Inc., Lake Jackson, TX, 77566, USA

    Pavan K. Valavala

  2. Mechanical Engineering—Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA

    Gregory M. Odegard

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  1. Pavan K. Valavala
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  2. Gregory M. Odegard
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Correspondence to Pavan K. Valavala .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dow Chemical Company (United States), Midland, MI, USA

    Valeriy V. Ginzburg

  2. The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA

    Lisa M. Hall

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Valavala, P.K., Odegard, G.M. (2021). Predicting Mechanical Properties Using Continuum Mechanics-Based Approach: Micro-mechanics and Finite Element Analysis. In: Ginzburg, V.V., Hall, L.M. (eds) Theory and Modeling of Polymer Nanocomposites. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 310. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-60443-1_8

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