Resilient material properties, modelling and research

In most cases, material models are developed based on the principles of linear elasticity. However, many new material systems are non-elastic and these simplified models are not able to describe the behaviour of these materials. Non-linearity can be attributed to various mechanical processes such as damage formation, viscoplasticity and viscoelasticity. We are developing various non-linear material models, methodologies for determining experimental parameters and simulation code for modelling various inelastic mechanisms. Non-linear modelling can help to analyse processes such as polymer curing, shrinkage, material behaviour at elevated temperature or humidity, as well as to simulate natural composite materials and other complex material systems or structures.

Research areas developed:

Development of models for intrinsically elastic materials, including viscoplasticity, viscoelasticity, damage;
Development of methodologies for the determination of parameters of elastic materials;
Mechanics of composite materials;
Biological composite materials;
Experimental testing.

EQUIPMENT: Compression, tension and flexural creep benches.

SOFTWARE: ANSYS, Matlab

Stress-strain curves for linear and non-linear materials

Comparison of experimental curves and simulations of developed non-linear material models for a natural fibre composite

Crack in biocomposite material (regenerated cellulose fibres)

Projects implemented:

Implementation of a multi-scale nonlinear viscoelastic and viscoplastic material model with the finite element method