The objective of this research area is the development of digital methods/models for the study of the behaviour of materials, the simulation and the optimisation of the processes of implementation of structural materials and components and the control of their structural integrity. These digital developments integrate the entire production chain, from choosing the materials to managing their end of life in close collaboration with industrial partners to support them in their digital transition. The research activities carried out are based on the following three sub-areas.

Development of numerical models and methods:

  •  Modelling of viscous flow (flow in a porous medium, capillarity, free surface with the effect of surface tension etc.), mechanics of heterogeneous solids (anisotropy, plasticity, damage, viscosity etc.), and discrete environment.
  • Parallel calculation and accelerated (FEM, DEM, FFT, etc.) and advanced (C-NEM, Level-Set) methods.
  • Development of digital and semi-analytical models for modelling the propagation of electromagnetic (optical) and ultrasonic waves.
  • Modelling of µ structure – properties (algorithms for reconstruction of the microstructure, variability, statistically representative volume, etc.).

Multiphysics and multiscale modelling to design an integral process chain – intrinsic properties – structure:

  •  Multiscale modelling of in-service behaviour (anisotropy, plasticity, damage and rupture, fatigue).
  • Modelling and simulation of structural composite materials processes (SMC, Autoclave, Consolidation of thermoplastic composites, Liquid Composite Moulding: RTM, CRTM, VARTM, etc.).
  • Flow coupling – heat transfer – fluid/structure interaction – phase change – optics (Laser welding, 3D printing).

Finally, based on fundamental knowledge and the digital models/methods developed, new transversal and transdisciplinary activities within the framework of the digital transition are emerging:

  •  Digital Twins of multilateral structures for the transport industry (automotive, aeronautics and rail) and processes (composites, polymers and construction materials).
  • Connected Objects (IoT), SHM and Predictive Maintenance (in collaboration with CERI SN).
  • New mathematical approaches, based on artificial intelligence (AI), for mechanics.

Team expertise 

Distinctions, notable publications 

Area Coordinator: Dmytro Vasiukov

Researchers working there

André Château Akue Asseko / Abderrahmane Ayadi / Salim Chaki / Benoît Cosson / Jean-Luc Harion / Chung-Hae Park / Patrick Pizette / Frédéric Roger / Modesar Shakoor