Kalpana Katti
Department of Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, USA

Multiscale Modeling of Mechanical Responses in Bio-nanocomposites

Structural composites in nature are both nano-structured and nano-engineered. Their response to stress under varying loading conditions is unique, and is superior to that of engineered composites. Biomimetic design of nanocomposites is thus an important current research field for design of advanced composites. I will discuss multiscale modeling methodologies for predicting mechanical responses in bio-nanocomposite systems such as nacre, the inner layer of mollusk shells and bone. The models include the true crystallographic symmetry, nanostructure, micro and meso structure. Modeling methodologies from molecular dynamics to finite element methods are used.