MS- 8-3
Mini-symposium title
8-3 – Variational Methods in Modelling for Multi-Physics Problems
Organisers
Anna Pandolfi (Politecnico di Milano), Laurent Stainier (Ecole Centrale Nantes), Kerstin Weinberg (Universität Siegen)
Mini-symposium description
We want to address computational strategies for multi-field simulations, specifically by discussing innovative techniques based on variational formulations. Modern engineering applications often involve weakly or strongly coupled problems, where mechanical parts have to account for changes in temperature, electric fields, magnetic fields, chemical potentials, and for solid and fluid interaction. As engineers, we are interested in tackling all the physical aspects of a problem to find the most predictive and satisfying solution. Variational models discussed here should conceal smoothly different length scales, or include numerical techniques capable to blend multi-scale models, or show robustness characteristics able to avoid numerical instabilities.
In order to spread ideas that can be fruitfully applied to different coupled problems, we want to focus on thermodynamically consistent models. As relevant examples, we mention:
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thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical problems
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biological tissues
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active magneto-electric elastomers
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fracture in multi-field environments
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failure in reacting materials
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evolving micro-structured materials
The mini-symposium aims at gathering a remarkable group of engineers active in this well-defined research field. The support of scientist from other branches of sciences is highly welcome and appreciated.
Key words: Multi-field, Material modelling, Fracture, Damage, Variational Methods, Thermodynamics, Biomechanics