Multi-scale modelling: The vehicle for progress in fundamental and practice-oriented research

Title: Multi-scale modelling: The vehicle for progress in fundamental and practice-oriented research
Author(s): Klaas van Breugel, Ye Guang
Paper category : conference
Book title: NICOM 2: 2nd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction
Editor(s): Y. de Miguel, A. Porro and P.J.M. Bartos
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-87-X
e-ISBN: 2912143888
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 39 - 48
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 31
Language: English

Abstract: In the last two decades the increasing power of computation hardware has made it possible to model complex structures and systems at a increasingly smaller scale. Going as small as the nano-scale will force researchers and modelers to cooperate with disciplines they might be not familiar with. In this contribution the implicit multiscale structure and multidisciplinarity of traditional engineering design work and in fundamental research on cement-based systems will be analyzed. Against the background of that analysis, and the success factors in the traditional engineering and research approach, the potential of multi-scale modeling is outlined when dealing with length scales from nano-meters to millimeters (6 orders of magnitude). It will be shown that already in fundamental research on cementitious materials performed in the past nano-scale phenomena have been addressed quite frequently, for example when dealing with the solid-moisture interactions, which interactions play a dominant role in shrinkage and creep problems. Whether that research can now be considered as precursors of nanotechnology is a question that will be addressed in detail. The status and potential of currently used microstructrural models will be outlined and their potential to be extended to the nanoscale will be discussed. Achievements and constraints of small-scale models for engineering purposes will be addressed, i.e. in the field of permeability studies and self-healing of cracks.

Online publication: 2005-11-17
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00