Mesh-free micromechanical modeling of inverse opal structures

The application of mesh-free discrete element method (DEM) for modeling macroporous inverse opals is proposed. developed and implemented DEM-based strategy applied to analyze stiffness strength made pure silica coated with titania layers various thicknesses. Also, the influence porosity initial packing on properties material investigated. Simulation results have shown that due heterogeneous macroscopic structure unequal distribution in nodes, struts or near interstitial pores, strong inhomogeneities stress arise. Spots localized stresses located interpore openings are sources defects small cracks. Reducing overall an additional coating a layer allows partially homogenize improve its mechanical properties. It was obtained simulation very good agreement previous studies. Despite large computational effort, performed analysis confirms high efficiency proposed approach demonstrates great potential use problems similar class: modelling complex-structured multicomponent materials.