A domain decomposition approach to multiscale analysis for structures with softening materials

Abstract

In this contribution we present a domain decomposition framework for the multiscale analysis of softening materials. In particular we focus on the finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI) technique implemented in a non-linear setting. The structure is partitioned into a number of domains and we “zoom in” in those areas that undergo the main non-linearities by increasing the domain resolution. We optimize our computations of the linear domains by simplifying a number of steps in the standard finite element (FE) solution scheme. The present framework is suitable for multiscale problems in which the scale separation principle does not hold and, consequently, the use of classical homogenization techniques is no longer possible. This is the case of the multiscale modelling of softening materials.