In the context of numerical models for static and dynamic analyses of nanostructures, the challenge of the project is to develop an advanced and more versatile numerical tool to examine nanostructures with arbitrary shapes and boundary conditions, by also considering the nonlocal behaviour. As far as numerical models for nanocomposites are concerned, the novelty of the present project is to propose a numerical multiscale approach, coupled with a multi-step homogenization technique, to assess the main properties of smart composites reinforced with both cylindrical and spherical nanoparticles of different sizes. Regarding the fracture behaviour of nanocomposites, novel advanced finite-element based micromechanical damage and fracture models are proposed for the nonlinear failure analysis of such nanocomposites, thus taking explicitly into account the effect of their microstructures and their evolutions on both global strength and stiffness. The tasks to be undertaken for WP1 are the following.
T2.1.1-T2.1.2 A numerical tool for solving linear static and dynamic problems of nanobeams and nanoplates is developed through nonlocal theories; T2.1.3 FE analyses simulating cementitious composites microstructure with cylindrical micro and/or nanofibers are carried out based on advanced homogenization techniques and fractional operators; T2.1.4 FE models to simulate microstructure of nanocomposites with spherical inhomogeneities are developed by coupling multiscale approaches with multistep homogenization techniques.
T2.2.1-T2.2.2 A numerical tool for solving nonlinear static and dynamic problems of nanobeams and nanoplates is developed through nonlocal theories; T2.2.3 Advanced FE-based micromechanical damage and fracture models for nonlinear failure analysis of nanocomposites are proposed; T2.2.4 An efficient multiscale framework, able to predict all potential failure modes in steel bar- reinforced nanofiber-reinforced concrete structures, is developed.