Continuum mesomechanical finite element modeling in materials development: A state-of-the-art review

Advanced finite element techniques in simulation of the materials behavior under mechanical loading are reviewed. Advantages, limitations and perspectives of different approaches to the simulation of deformation, damage and fracture of materials taking into account their microand mesostructure are analyzed. Development of the methods of simulation of different aspects of the materials behavior (such as the unit cell approach, real structure simulation, cohesive zone model, etc) is described from initial simplest versions of the methods to advanced, highly efficient models. Possibilities of using of the finite element method in the development of new materials are analyzed. The review article contains 131 references.