ALTAIR - Multiscale Designer 2020 - User Manual

Altair Multiscale Designer 2020
User Manual
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Multiscale Designer User Manual v2020.0
Table of Contents
Installation Overview ....................................................................................................................... 15
System Requirements................................................................................................................... 16
HyperWorks Licensing .................................................................................................................. 17
Installing on Windows64 .............................................................................................................. 18
Installing on Linux64..................................................................................................................... 18
Multiscale Designer Overview .......................................................................................................... 19
Benefits ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Capabilities .................................................................................................................................. 20
Deterministic Analysis Overview ................................................................................................... 22
Unit Cell Model Definition Overview .................................................................................................. 22
Linear Material Characterization Overview ........................................................................................ 22
Nonlinear Material Characterization Overview .................................................................................. 22
Macro Analysis FEA-Plugins Overview ................................................................................................ 23
Multiscale Designer Main Window ............................................................................................... 24
Toolbar ................................................................................................................................................ 24
Material Model Development............................................................................................................. 26
Solver Interfaces ................................................................................................................................. 27
Conventions for Unit Cell Orientations .......................................................................................... 28
Material Model Data Files ............................................................................................................ 30
Command Line Interface............................................................................................................... 32
Material Model Data File Formats................................................................................................. 46
General Rules and Notation ................................................................................................................ 46
ModelName_geo.dat .......................................................................................................................... 47
ModelName_geo.dat – Unit Cell List .................................................................................................. 49
ModelName_mesh.dat ....................................................................................................................... 56
ModelName_phase.dat....................................................................................................................... 58
© 2020 Altair Engineering, Inc. Proprietary and Confidential. All rights reserved.
ModelName_Lmatl_DD.dat ................................................................................................................ 59
ModelName_Lmatl_IC.dat .................................................................................................................. 61
ModelName_Lami.dat ........................................................................................................................ 63
ModelName_reduce.dat ..................................................................................................................... 64
ModelName_model.dat ...................................................................................................................... 65
ModelName_NLmatl_DD.dat .............................................................................................................. 67
ModelName_NLmatl_IC.dat ............................................................................................................... 68
ModelName_NLmatl.dat – Material List............................................................................................. 70
ModelName_NLtest_DD.dat ............................................................................................................... 71
ModelName_NLtest_IC.dat................................................................................................................. 73
ModelName_NLtest.dat – Test List ..................................................................................................... 75
ModelName_SA_Input.dat ................................................................................................................. 76
ModelName_SA_Input.dat – Probability Distribution List.................................................................. 82
Deterministic Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 83
Unit Cell Model Definition ............................................................................................................ 83
Built-in Parametric Unit Cell Model Library ........................................................................................ 83
Fibrous > Square ............................................................................................................................. 86

Geometric data .........................................................................................................................................86
Manufacturing data (in)............................................................................................................................87
Manufacturing data (mm) ........................................................................................................................88
Fibrous > Square with Interphase ................................................................................................... 90

Geometric data .........................................................................................................................................90
Fibrous > Honeycomb ..................................................................................................................... 95

Geometric data .........................................................................................................................................95
Fibrous > Honeycomb with Interphase ........................................................................................... 99

Geometric data .........................................................................................................................................99
Manufacturing data (in)..........................................................................................................................100
Manufacturing data (mm) ......................................................................................................................102
Fibrous > Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) ................................................................................................ 104

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................104
Fibrous > Discontinuous Fiber....................................................................................................... 111

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................111
Particle > Cubic.............................................................................................................................. 117

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................117
Particle > Cubic with Interphase ................................................................................................... 119

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................119
Particle > Body Centered Cubic (BCC) ........................................................................................... 121

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................121
Particle > BCC with Interphase...................................................................................................... 123

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................123
Woven ........................................................................................................................................... 125

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................127
Non-orthogonal Woven ................................................................................................................ 135

Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................137
Lattice............................................................................................................................................ 146
Geometric data .......................................................................................................................................147
External Unit Cell Models.................................................................................................................. 148
Linear Material Characterization ................................................................................................. 152
Forward Homogenization ................................................................................................................. 156
Density .......................................................................................................................................... 157
Thermal Conductivity .................................................................................................................... 159
Isotropic Linear Material Law .................................................................................................................159

Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law ............................................................................................160
Orthotropic Linear Material Law ............................................................................................................160
Anisotropic Linear Material Law .............................................................................................................160
Diffusivity ...................................................................................................................................... 162

Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law ............................................................................................163
Elasticity ........................................................................................................................................ 165

Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law (23-plane of isotropy) ........................................................169
Material Database............................................................................................................................. 174
Laminate Support.............................................................................................................................. 176
Additional Macro Simulations ........................................................................................................... 181
Inverse Characterization ................................................................................................................... 182
Density .......................................................................................................................................... 187

Possible Active Parameters (for each phase) .........................................................................................188
Possible Objective Macro Homogenized Properties ..............................................................................188
Thermal Conductivity .................................................................................................................... 189

Diffusivity ...................................................................................................................................... 191

Elasticity ........................................................................................................................................ 193

Nonlinear Material Characterization ........................................................................................... 196
Damage Laws ................................................................................................................................ 200
Isotropic Damage Laws ................................................................................................................. 201

Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ................................................................204
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ...........................................206
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry ...........................................................207
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ...............................................208
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry .........................210
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry ..........................................212
Orthotropic Damage Laws ............................................................................................................ 214

Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ...........................................................217
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ......................................219
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry.......................................................221
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ..........................................223
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry .....................225
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry .....................................227
Fiber Damage Laws ....................................................................................................................... 229

Fiber Damage > Isotropic Symmetry ......................................................................................................231
Fiber Damage > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry .................................................................................232
Fiber Damage > Orthotropic Symmetry .................................................................................................233
Plasticity Laws ............................................................................................................................... 234

Rate-independent Plasticity ...................................................................................................................234
Rate-dependent Plasticity ......................................................................................................................242
Gurson Plasticity .....................................................................................................................................245
Damage and Plasticity Laws .......................................................................................................... 248

Isotropic Damage and Plasticity .............................................................................................................248
Orthotropic Damage and Plasticity.........................................................................................................253
Isotropic Damage and Rate-dependent Plasticity ..................................................................................258
Viscoplasticity Laws....................................................................................................................... 262

Viscoplasticity Based on Overstress (VBO) .............................................................................................262
None (Keep Elastic) ....................................................................................................................... 270
Macro Simulations ............................................................................................................................ 271
Unnotched Tension/Compression (UNT/C) .................................................................................. 272
Load/Unload ................................................................................................................................. 275
3-Pt Bending .................................................................................................................................. 278
4-Pt Bending .................................................................................................................................. 281
Open Hole Tension/Compression (OHT/C) ................................................................................... 286
Rail Shear ...................................................................................................................................... 291
Dogbone ........................................................................................................................................ 296
Solution Control ................................................................................................................................ 300
Viscous Stabilization...................................................................................................................... 300
Thermal Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 301
Laminate Support.............................................................................................................................. 302
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ...................................................... 311
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ................................. 312
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry.................................................. 313
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ..................................... 314
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ............... 315
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry ................................ 316
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry.................................................. 317
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ............................ 318
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry............................................. 319
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry ................................ 320
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry........... 321
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry ........................... 322
Fiber Damage > Isotropic Symmetry ............................................................................................. 323
Fiber Damage > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry ....................................................................... 324
Fiber Damage > Orthotropic Symmetry ........................................................................................ 325
Rate-independent Plasticity .......................................................................................................... 326
Rate-dependent Plasticity ............................................................................................................. 327
Gurson Plasticity ........................................................................................................................... 328
Isotropic Damage and Plasticity .................................................................................................... 329
Orthotropic Damage and Plasticity ............................................................................................... 330
Isotropic Damage and Rate-dependent Plasticity ........................................................................ 331
Viscoplasticity ............................................................................................................................... 332
Macro Solver Interfaces .............................................................................................................. 333
Homogenized Linear Material Export ............................................................................................... 335
OptiStruct Interface ...................................................................................................................... 335
RADIOSS Interface ......................................................................................................................... 335
Abaqus Interface ........................................................................................................................... 336
ANSYS Interface ............................................................................................................................ 337
LS-DYNA Interface ......................................................................................................................... 337
MSC.Nastran Interface .................................................................................................................. 338
NX.Nastran Interface..................................................................................................................... 339
OptiStruct Interface .......................................................................................................................... 340
Supported Versions ....................................................................................................................... 340
Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 ............................................... 340

Step 1: Create a homogeneous model ...................................................................................................340
Step 2: Validate the homogeneous model .............................................................................................341
Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer material data files ...........................................................................341
Step 4: Create a Multiscale Designer model ...........................................................................................343
Step 5: Solve the Multiscale Designer model .........................................................................................344
Step 6: Post-process the multiscale model.............................................................................................345
Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64 ............................................. 346

Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Runing an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 ...........346
Step 2: Copy the Multiscale Designer model files to the Linux machine ................................................346
Step 3: Solve the Multiscale Designer model on the Linux machine ......................................................346
Step 4: Copy results files back to the Windows machine .......................................................................346
Step 6: Post-process the Multiscale Designer model .............................................................................347
RADIOSS Interface ............................................................................................................................. 348
Running a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64.................................................... 348

Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer material model files........................................................................349

Running a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64 .................................................. 354

Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 .........354
Step 3: Create an Environment Variable ................................................................................................355
Abaqus Interface ............................................................................................................................... 355
Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 .................................................... 356

Step 3: Create the Multiscale Designer material model files .................................................................357
Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64 .................................................. 361

Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64..............361
Step 2: Edit abaqus_v6.env file to reference the Multiscale Designer Abaqus plugin on the Linux
Machine ..................................................................................................................................................361
ANSYS Interface ................................................................................................................................ 363
Running an ANSYS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 ..................................................... 363

Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer data files .........................................................................................364
Running an ANSYS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64 ................................................... 367
Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an Ansys Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64 ................368
Step 2: Set the environment variables required for the Multiscale Designer ANSYS plugin on the Linux
Machine ..................................................................................................................................................368
Step 5: Copy the result file back to the Windows machine ....................................................................368
LS-DYNA Interface ............................................................................................................................. 370
Running a Multiscale Designer LS-DYNA Simulation on Linux64 .................................................. 370

Step 3: Prepare the Multiscale Designer material model data files in Windows ...................................371
Step 5: Create a Multiscale Designer Model ..........................................................................................373
Step 6: Solve the Multiscale Designer Model .........................................................................................374
Step 7: Post-process the Multiscale Designer Model .............................................................................374
Nastran Interface .............................................................................................................................. 375
Single Scale Nonlinear Material Characterization ........................................................................ 376
Macro Solver Interfaces .................................................................................................................... 379
Stochastic Analysis ......................................................................................................................... 380
Stochastic Sampling Methods ..................................................................................................... 380
Stochastic Distributions .............................................................................................................. 381
Probability Distribution Functions (PDF) of Experimental Results ................................................. 382
Stochastic Linear Material Characterization ................................................................................ 383
Forward Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 383
Sampling Method .......................................................................................................................... 384
Linear Material Characterization .................................................................................................. 385
Laminates ...................................................................................................................................... 385
Stochastic Results.......................................................................................................................... 385
Inverse Analysis ................................................................................................................................. 389
Linear Material Characterization .................................................................................................. 391
Laminates ...................................................................................................................................... 392
Macro Homogenized Material Property ....................................................................................... 392
Stochastic Results.......................................................................................................................... 393
Stochastic Linear and Nonlinear Material Characterization .......................................................... 395
Forward Analysis ............................................................................................................................... 395
Tutorials ........................................................................................................................................ 400
Tutorial 1 - Deterministic First Walkthrough................................................................................ 400
Unit Cell Model Definition ................................................................................................................ 400

Parametric Model ...................................................................................................................................400
Real-time Assistant .................................................................................................................................401
Run..........................................................................................................................................................401
Linear Material Characterization – Forward Homogenization ......................................................... 404

Forward Homogenization .......................................................................................................................404
Micro Material Property .........................................................................................................................404
Macro Homogenized Material Property .................................................................................................405
Run..........................................................................................................................................................405
Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization ........................................................... 408

Inverse Characterization .........................................................................................................................408
Characterization Control ........................................................................................................................408
Run..........................................................................................................................................................409
Nonlinear Material Characterization – Forward Homogenization ................................................... 412

Laminate .................................................................................................................................................413
Macro Simulation ...................................................................................................................................413
Solution Control ......................................................................................................................................414
Run..........................................................................................................................................................415
Nonlinear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization ..................................................... 420
Micro Mechanical Property ....................................................................................................................420

Laminate .................................................................................................................................................420
Macro Experimental Data .......................................................................................................................421
Characterization Control ........................................................................................................................422
Run..........................................................................................................................................................423
Tutorial 2 - Stochastics First Walkthrough ................................................................................... 426
Linear Material Characterization ...................................................................................................... 426
Forward Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 428

Sampling Methods ..................................................................................................................................428
Unit Cell Model Definition ......................................................................................................................428
Parametric Model ...................................................................................................................................428
Linear Material Definition.......................................................................................................................429
Run..........................................................................................................................................................431
Inverse Analysis ............................................................................................................................. 434

Run..........................................................................................................................................................436
Linear and Nonlinear Material Characterization .............................................................................. 439
Forward Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 440

Sampling Methods ..................................................................................................................................440
Laminate .................................................................................................................................................443
Nonlinear Material Characterization ......................................................................................................444
Macro Simulation ...................................................................................................................................446
Run..........................................................................................................................................................447
References..................................................................................................................................... 451
Installation Overview
There are two installation packages for Multiscale Designer, one for Win64 and one for Linux64 operating
systems as discussed below.
 MultiscaleDesigner/win64 is for running Multiscale Designer on Win64 including the OptiStruct,

RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran FEA-plugins on Win64.
 MultiscaleDesigner/linux64 is for running only the OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-
DYNA, and Nastran FEA-plugins on Linux64. The Multiscale Designer GUI program which performs
Multiscale Designer (multiscale and single scale) material model development is only supported
on Win64.
© 2020 Altair Engineering, Inc. Proprietary and Confidential. All rights reserved. 15
System Requirements
Multiscale Designer GUI program is supported on Win64 Operating Systems (Windows XP 64-bit or later)
with the following recommended configuration;
 CPU: Intel Core or later

 System Memory (RAM): 2GB or larger
 Hard Disk: 2GB free space or larger
 Screen resolution: 1280×1024 or higher
Note: Multiscale Designer GUI program is NOT supported on Linux.
Multiscale Designer GUI program interfaces with the following third-party software which must be
installed separately;
 HyperMesh v2017.2 (or any later version) for automatic meshing of unit cells
 HyperView v2017.2 (or any later version) for viewing the results
 Adobe Acrobat Reader (or other PDF reader on Windows) for viewing the user manual
 Microsoft Excel (2003, 2007, 2010, 2013, or 365) for exporting data and visualization
Multiscale Designer FEA-Plugins provide support for OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and
Nastran on both Win64 and Linux64 operating systems. The following versions of the macro solvers are
supported;
 OptiStruct; v2017.2 and later versions (64-bit versions)

 RADIOSS; v14.0 and later versions (64-bit versions)
 Abaqus; Standard and Explicit: 2018, 2019
 ANSYS; v19.2
 LS-DYNA; MPI LS-DYNA R8.0.0 (Linux64 only)
 Nastran; MSC.Nastran and NX.Nastran (Linear material cards only)
HyperWorks Licensing
Multiscale Designer is HyperWorks licensing enabled. There are several installation options for
HyperWorks licensing, but the two basic license options are server licensing (units based) and standalone
licensing (feature based). To install a HyperWorks license server for HyperWorks units-based licensing,
follow the Altair license management documentation. To use HyperWorks standalone feature-based
licensing, one must obtain a license file from your local Altair Account Manager. For both licensing
options, the following environment variable must be set on each local machine (Win64 or Linux64) to run
Multiscale Designer.
 For HyperWorks units-based licensing on a HyperWorks license server;
ALTAIR_LICENSE_PATH=6200@[license server domain name]
 For a HyperWorks standalone feature-based license file;
ALTAIR_LICENSE_PATH=[path]\[license file name]
Installing on Windows64
With all defaults selected, Multiscale Designer will be installed to;
\...\hwslovers\MultiscaleDesigner\win64 referred to as [InstallDir]
all example files will by default be installed to;
\...\demos\hwslovers\MultiscaleDesigner\examples referred to as [ExampleDir]
and all user data will by default be saved to;
[installed driver]\Users\[UserName]\Documents\MultiscaleDesigner referred to as [UserDir]
Installing on Linux64
For Linux64 operating systems (RHEL 5.9 64-bit or later, SLES 11 64-bit or later), Multiscale Designer will
be installed to;
/…/MultiscaleDesigner/linux64 referred to as [InstallDir]
and all macro solver plugins will be installed to;
/…/MultiscaleDesigner/linux64/plugins/… referred to as [PluginDir]
Multiscale Designer Overview
Multiscale Designer is an accurate and efficient tool for development of multiscale and single scale
material models and simulation of parts manufactured from any heterogeneous and homogenous
material; including, but not limited to, continuous and chopped fiber composites, honeycomb cores,
lattice structures, reinforced concrete, soil, bones, etc... Applications include multiscale and single scale
material modeling for design, ultimate failure assessment, statistical-based material allowables, creep,
fracture, and impact simulations; and provides user material plugins to commercial FEA solvers,
Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran, for the simulation of any part using multiscale
and single scale material models.
Benefits
While many multiscale modeling frameworks exist, Multiscale Designer provides an unmatched
combination of ease of use, computational efficiency, predictive accuracy, and versatility.
Ease of Use
Multiscale Designer has well defined methodologies, including experimental test matrix protocols, for the
development of multiscale material models for continuous (unidirectional and woven) and chopped (short
and long) reinforced product forms made from carbon, glass, or Kevlar with polymer (thermoplastic and
thermoset) matrices. The one-time process required to develop a multiscale material model is captured
within the Multiscale Designer GUI via a three-step process; Unit Cell Model Definition, Linear Material
Characterization, and finally Nonlinear Material Characterization. Validated multiscale material models
are easily included in any macro model simulation via the Macro Solver Integration GUI and provided user
material plugins (DLLs) to Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran.
Computational Efficiency
Instead of implementing direct homogenization (accurate but computationally inefficient); or some other
classical homogenization method (computationally efficient but inaccurate); Multiscale Designer utilizes
3D FEA Unit Cells with a Reduced Order Model (ROM) technique that allows for BOTH predictive accuracy
and computationally efficiency. The ROM performs a one-time solution of the unit cell which stores all
required heterogeneous material behavior in the elastic AND inelastic regime into a “material database”.
Upon subsequent macro model simulation, each macro element calls into this database via the user
material plugins (DLLs) to perform matrix algebraic calculations for the homogenized stiffness’s and
dehomogenized phase stresses and strains which are highly accurate and efficiently calculated.
Predictive Accuracy
Multiscale Designer implements advanced damage and plasticity laws which account for the fundamental
physical behavior of various phase materials. Each phase material of the 3D FEA unit cell is assigned a
nonlinear material law. The nonlinear material laws within Multiscale Designer range from; damage
models for brittle materials (carbon and glass fibers); plasticity models for ductile materials (ductile
metals); and advanced hybrid damage and plasticity models for materials which exhibit BOTH brittle and
ductile behavior (most polymers). Characterization of the material parameters for all Multiscale Designer
nonlinear material laws have well defined experimental test matrices and procedures with minimal
experimental tests required. In addition, Multiscale Designer material models for various product forms
(Unidirectional, Woven, and Chopped) have been validated against several experimental datasets for
predictive accuracy.
Versatility
Multiscale Designer includes a built-in FEA macro solver which allow for automatic parametric multiscale
simulations of several standard coupon specimens (unnotched, notched, shear, and bend) directly within
Multiscale Designer. The stochastic module of Multiscale Designer couples the built-in parametric
multiscale simulation capability with the ability to perform Monte Carlo and Sparse Grid stochastic
multiscale simulations. Each multiscale material model parameter can be given a Probability Distribution
Function (PDF) via mean, standard deviation, and distribution type parameter input. The output of the
stochastic multiscale simulation is a PDF which is used directly to calculate A- and B-Basis material
allowables for “Virtual Allowables” assessments.
Capabilities
Multiscale Designer – Deterministic
Multiscale Designer – Deterministic provides a well-established methodology for the development of fully
nonlinear multiscale material models which are subsequently used in linear or nonlinear macro analysis
to resolve micro-scale fields (stresses and strains within each phase material of the unit cell) at a
computational cost comparable to that of macro-scale modeling. Both the forward homogenization
approach, where micro-scale properties are known a prior, and the inverse optimization approach, where
micro-scale properties are determined from known macro-scale homogenized properties are available.
Multiscale Designer - Stochastic
Multiscale Designer - Stochastic provides a forward homogenization stochastic simulation process which
computes a Probability Distribution Function (PDF) for the homogenized macro-scale properties given the
variability of the micro-scale geometry and constitutive properties. Multiscale Designer – Stochastic
automatically calculates A- and B-basis material allowables directly from the output PDFs via a virtual
allowables supported by test methodology.
The Multiscale Designer design process consists of two analysis stages, preprocessing stage and macro
analysis stage, as shown in Figure 1. At the preprocessing stage, a graphical user interface (GUI) is
provided to guide the user through the three preprocessing steps; unit cell geometry and mesh definition,
linear material parameter characterization, and nonlinear material parameter characterization. At the
macro analysis stage, Multiscale Designer FEA-plugins provide an interface between Multiscale Designer
and commercial FEA codes (Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran) for performing
multiscale analysis on general components utilizing the material models generated in the preprocessing
stage. Advanced Multiscale Designer capability includes stochastic multiscale analysis.
Figure 1: Multiscale Designer Architecture
Multiscale Designer, with the included FEA-plugins, is intended to perform general multiscale analyses
involving heterogeneous material systems. Performing a multiscale analysis with Multiscale Designer
involves two computational stages; the multiscale material model development stage (micro scale) and
the macro analysis stage (macro scale).
The multiscale material model development stage creates a reduced order unit cell (or representative
volume element) model for the heterogeneous material system of interest. There are three discrete steps
involved in this stage required to generate the reduced order unit cell model;
1. Define the geometry and mesh of the heterogeneous unit cell model,
2. Calculate the macro homogeneous linear material properties of the heterogeneous material given
the homogeneous micro-phase material properties that make up the heterogeneous material,
3. Perform a unit cell model reduction and calculate the macro homogeneous nonlinear material
properties of the heterogeneous material.
Deterministic Analysis Overview
Unit Cell Model Definition Overview

The heterogeneous unit cell model geometry and mesh can be defined in two ways; (1) using the
Multiscale Designer parametric unit cell model library, or (2) importing an externally develop unit cell
model. The first and the most efficient option is to utilize Multiscale Designer parametric unit cell library.
Alternatively, the unit cell geometry and mesh data can be generated by a third-party preprocessor and
imported into Multiscale Designer. The parametric model definition option generates unit cell model
attributes including; micro phases, orientations, and their association with element sets. For the external
import option, the Multiscale Designer GUI can be used to define the unit cell model attributes.
Note: The unit cell model definition step is completely independent from material characterization steps.
Linear Material Characterization Overview
Macro homogeneous linear material properties are calculated by solving either a forward homogenization
problem [ 1 ] or an inverse optimization problem. For the forward homogenization problem, the
homogeneous micro-phase material properties are user-defined and the corresponding macro
homogeneous properties of the heterogeneous unit cell are calculated. For the inverse optimization
problem, selected macro homogeneous properties of the heterogeneous unit cell are user-defined, from
either experimental data or based on target design values, and the homogeneous micro-phase material
properties are determined which would produce the macro homogeneous properties of the
heterogeneous material. Multiscale Designer also provides a laminate functionality which solves the
forward homogeneous problem to calculate the macro homogeneous properties of a laminate consisting
of a stack of heterogeneous unit cell layers of given orientations. In addition, the laminate functionality
can solve the inverse optimization problem to calculate the homogeneous micro-phase material
properties given the laminate stacking and orientations of the heterogeneous unit cell layers. With the
completion of the linear characterization step, a detailed stress field in the heterogeneous material unit
cell can be visualized for various deformation modes required.
Nonlinear Material Characterization Overview
Aiming at reducing computational complexity of the unit cell model, Reduced Order Model (ROM)
technique is proposed for nonlinear material characterization. Multiscale Designer has the capability
(default) to automatically select the dominate mode for influence function calculation. Then a reduced
order unit cell model has been derived for further nonlinear macro-scale analysis using Multiscale
Designer and/or included FEA-plugins for Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran.
The macro homogeneous nonlinear material behaviors of the reduced order unit cell model are calculated
using either the forward nonlinear homogenization or inverse optimization capabilities of Multiscale
Designer defining a nonlinear constitutive law within each micro-phase. Various nonlinear constitutive
laws are available within Multiscale Designer, such as rate-independent plasticity, viscoelasticity, and
isotropic and orthotropic continuum damage laws. The macro homogeneous nonlinear behavior of the
reduced order unit cell model can be calculated for standard unnotched tension/compression (UNT/C)
coupon tests. Standard coupon UNT/C models are built into Multiscale Designer with monotonic loading
or loading/unloading capabilities in either displacement or force control and with different loading rates.
In addition, notched tension/compression in the form of open hole tension/compression (OHT/C) and 3-
pt and 4-pt bend standard coupon model are also included with Multiscale Designer to calculate the macro
homogeneous nonlinear behavior of the reduced order unit cell model under bending. These standard
coupon models are used in conjunction with either the forward nonlinear homogenization approach to
calculate the macro homogeneous nonlinear behavior of the reduced order unit cell given nonlinear
constitutive law parameters for each micro-phase; or the inverse optimization approach aimed at
determining the nonlinear constitutive law parameters for each micro-phase that would calculate the
macro homogeneous nonlinear behavior of the reduced order unit cell. This step also has laminate
functionality which calculates the macro homogeneous nonlinear behavior for a laminate consisting of a
stack of heterogeneous unit cell layers of given orientations rather than for a single heterogeneous unit
cell. Both the forward nonlinear homogenization and inverse optimization approaches are available for
the laminate functionality within Multiscale Designer.
Macro Analysis FEA-Plugins Overview
At the macro analysis stage, Multiscale Designer provides the functionality for updating the macro state
fields at each macro homogeneous finite element gauss point. Multiscale Designer solves the reduced
order unit cell problem and updates the micro state fields by utilizing the unit cell material model created
in the preprocessing stage. These Multiscale Designer subroutines provide a general interface for working
with various commercial FEA packages including Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and
Nastran.
Multiscale Designer Main Window
The Multiscale Designer graphical user interface (GUI) is designed to assist with each preprocessing step
by collecting user input data, invoking backend programs, and reviewing the resulting data or graphs.
Multiscale Designer is invoked via;
Windows Start Menu > MultiscaleDesigner_# > MultiscaleDesigner
The Multiscale Designer main window is shown in Figure 2. User can access each preprocessing step for
each Multiscale Designer solution sequence (i.e. Deterministic and Stochastic) through the Multiscale
Designer main window. The components in the main window include Toolbar, Material Model Name,
Material Model Development and Solver Interfaces.
Figure 2: Multiscale Designer Main Window
Toolbar
Each Multiscale Designer material model has a database file [ModelName].mic which stores all user input
data for each step for each Multiscale Designer solution sequence for the given material model.
[ModelName] is the user-defined multiscale material model name in the main window.
When Multiscale Designer starts, user can either start a new multiscale material model by clicking the
New button or load a previous multiscale material model by clicking the Open button at the toolbar.
The Material Model Name is defined in the Create a New Material Model window, invoked by clicking
the New button. The [ModelName].mic file for a given material model can be saved or saved as another
Model Name by clicking Save button or Save As button respectively at the toolbar in Multiscale
Designer main window. By clicking the Delete button , the current [ModelName].mic and its data folder
will be deleted.
Figure 3: Define a New Material Model Name
The [ModelName].mic file is always saved to the User Data Directory which is specified in the Multiscale
Designer Setting dialog accessed by clicking Setting button at the toolbar in Multiscale Designer main
window as shown in Figure 3. The User Data Directory defaults to;
[Installed driver]\Users\[UserName]\Documents\MultiscaleDesigner referred to as [UserDir]
When you save a multiscale material model, Multiscale Designer will save the [ModelName].mic file to
the [UserDir] directory along with creating a [UserDir]\[ModelName]\... directory structure to store all the
material model results for each Multiscale Designer solution sequence for the given multiscale material
model.
In addition, within the Setting dialog, the HW Installation Directory must be specified so that Mulstiscale
Designer can point to the location of hmbatch.exe (HyperMesh batch executable for Unit Cell Model
Definition Parametric Library) and hw.exe (HyperView executable for visualization of results).
Moreover, within the Setting dialog, automatic calculation of weights, bounds and tolerances of the
inverse analysis for linear and nonlinear material characterization can be specified.
Figure 4: Multiscale Designer Setting Dialog
The Multiscale Designer user manual can be accessed by clicking Help button in the Multiscale Designer
main window assuming you have (.pdf) file extensions registered in your Windows environment to some
.pdf reader. Clicking About button in the Multiscale Designer main window will bring up various
information about the Multiscale Designer program installation.
The Multiscale Designer user manual is shipped in (.pdf) format and is located in;
[InstallDir]\documentation
Material Model Development

Material Model Development contains two regions in Multiscale Designer main window, the
Deterministic Region and the Stochastic Region, which are designed to run deterministic and stochastic
analyses respectively. Before each step, there is a status marker. The marker has four kinds of status,
empty (to be run), greencheck (up to date), redcross (cannot be run), and yellowcheck (need to
update).
By selecting the single-scale material model type, the single-scale material model development is
activated. Only nonlinear material characterization is supported for single-scale analysis.
Solver Interfaces
Solver interfaces are designed for homogenized linear material and multiscale or single-scale nonlinear
material model export to Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran.
Conventions for Unit Cell Orientations
Multiscale Designer uses three basic unit cell orientations as described in Figure 5 for fibrous unit cells
and Figure 6 for woven unit cells. Other unit cell orientation conventions follow similar conventions.
 Each phase material orientation system within the unit cell is donated by the 1-, 2-, 3- coordinate
system. Multiscale Designer convention defines a given unit cell phase 1-axis as the fiber
direction, the 2-axis as the transverse direction, and the 3-axis as the through-thickness direction
as shown in Figure 5 for fibrous unit cells and Figure 6 for woven unit cells.
 The homogeneous unit cell material orientation system is denoted by the x-, y-, z- coordinate
system. Figure 5 shows the relationship between the phase 1-, 2-, 3- coordinate system and the
homogeneous unit cell x-, y-, z- coordinate system for fibrous unit cell models. Figure 6 shows
the relationship between the phase 1-, 2-, 3- coordinate system and the homogeneous unit cell
x-, y-, z- coordinate system for woven unit cell models.
 The laminate or general macro component material orientation system is denoted by X-, Y-, Z-
coordinate system. The laminate X-, Y-, Z- coordinate system generally coincides with the
homogeneous unit cell x-, y-, z- coordinate system for most cases. The angle for each layer of the
laminate is defined about the Z-axis using right hand rule as shown in Figure 5 and Figure 6.
Figure 5: Fibrous Unit Cell Material Orientation System Definitions
Figure 6: Woven Unit Cell Material Orientation System Definitions
Material Model Data Files
The material model data is stored in individual data files by Multiscale Designer. The specific file name
suffixes are defined to distinguish between different types of material model data. In the following, bold
letters denote mandatory suffixes, italic letters indicate the name of the material model defined in Main
Window, and # indicates a laminate layup ID and/or a simulation ID for a material linear characterization
and a material nonlinear characterization respectively.
Table 1: Multiscale Designer Material Model Data File Descriptions
File Name Created Required Description

by to run
Step # Step #
ModelName_geo.dat Unit Cell n/a The unit cell geometry and mesh
Definiton parameters used to generate the unit
cell model.
ModelName_mesh.dat Unit Cell Linear The unit cell mesh data file in the
Definiton Characteriz Multiscale Designer format. It includes
ation the mesh data with micro phase
number, name, orientation, and element
set association, and periodic boundary
condition information.
ModelName_mesh.fem Unit Cell n/a The unit cell mesh data file in the
Definiton OptiStruct Bulk Data Format. Use this
HyperMesh file to visualize the unit cell mesh in
HyperView HyperMesh© and HyperView©.
ModelName_Lmatl.dat Linear n/a The micro-phase linear material

Characte properties for the unit cell used to run a
rization linear material characterization.
ModelName_Lmatl_mode.hwascii Linear n/a You can use this file along with the
Characte ModelName_mesh.fem unit cell mesh
ModelName_Lmatl_mode_C.hwascii
rization HyperView file to visualize the linear unit cell
model stress results in HyperView©.
ModelName_Lmatl_macro.dat Linear n/a The unit cell homogenized linear

Characte material data file results in tension and
ModelName_Lmatl_macro_C.dat
rization compression (_C). Postfix # is for the
ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#.dat homogenized linear material data for
the laminate with layup # defined in
ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#_C.dat Linear Characterization Step. Layup#

and Layup#_C do not exist if laminate
option is not activated.
ModelName_model.dat Linear Nonlinear The unit cell reduced order model file.
Characte Characteriz This file is required to run a Multiscale
rization ation and Designer nonlinear analysis and user
Macro defined material within any of the
Solver macro-solver plugins.
plugins
ModelName_NLmatl.dat Nonlinea Macro The micro-phase nonlinear material

r Solver properties for the unit cell used to run a
Characte plugins nonlinear material characterization.
rization This file is required to run a Multiscale
Designer user defined material within
any of the macro-solver plugins.
ModelName_NLSim_#.csv Nonlinea n/a The macro nonlinear simulation result

r data file. One results file for each
Characte simulation result numbered # by
rization simulation number defined in
Nonlinear Characterization Step.
ModelName_NLSim_#.fem Nonlinea n/a The macro nonlinear simulation result

r mesh file in OptiStruct Bulk Data
Characte format. One mesh file for each
rization HyperMesh simulation result numbered # by
HyperView simulation number defined in
Nonlinear Characterization Step. Used
to visualize the mesh in HyperMesh
and HyperView.
ModelName_NLSim_#.hwascii Nonlinea n/a The macro nonlinear simulation result

r file in HyperView hwascii format. One
Characte results file for each simulation result
rization HyperView numbered # by simulation number
defined in Nonlinear Characterization
Step. Used to visualize the results in
HyperView.
Command Line Interface
The Multiscale Designer command line interface use positional arguments for all sub programs. The
general command line syntax is;
[InstallDir]\exec\MDS_driver_main.exe [screenFlag] [subProgramID] [subProgramArguments]
where;
[screenFlag] Output the running information to the screen or not (0 – off; 1 – on). Typically use 1 for
all deterministic sub programs (subProgramID 01-05 and 07-09). Typically use 0 for
stochastic sub programs (subProgramID 10 and 12)
[subProgramID]
01 Parametric Unit Cell Model Run
02 External Unit Cell Model Run
03 Linear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run
04 Linear Inverse Optimization Analysis Run
05 Reduced Order Model Run or Linear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run

with Thermal Expansion Considered
08 Nonlinear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run
09 Nonlinear Inverse Optimization Analysis Run
10 Stochastic Forward Homogenization Analysis
12 Stochastic Inverse Optimization Analysis
19 Injection Molding *.h5 to *OriTensor.dat conversion
20 Homogenized Linear Material Export
[subProgramArguments] Note: Input files can have absolute or relative paths. Output files will be
generated in the same directory as the first input file.
Environment list
1. ALTAIR_MDS_INST_DIR = {app} (\…\hwsolvers\MaultiscaleDesigner\win64)
2. ALTAIR_HW_INST_DIR = (ex: C:\Program Files\Altair\2020\)
3. MDSHOME = {current user data folder, current working folder by default}
4. MKL_PARDISO_OOC_PATH = ({MDSHOME}\internal\ooc_temp)
5. MKL_PARDISO_OOC_KEEP_FILE = 1
01 Parametric Unit Cell Model Run
[subProgramArguments] in order: ModelName_geo.dat
Output Files: ModelName_mesh.dat
/internal/ModelName_mesh.fem
/internal/ModelName_mesh.sta
02 External Unit Cell Model Run
[subProgramArguments] in order: [processID] 3
ModelName.extension
[extensionID] fem1 (for OptiStruct *.fem)
inp1 (for Abaqus *.inp)
ModelName_phase.dat
Output Files: ModelName_mesh.dat
/internal/ModelName_mesh.fem
/internal/ModelName_mesh.sta
03 Linear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run
[subProgramArguments] in order: ModelName_mesh.dat
ModelName_Lmatl_DD.dat
ModelName_Lami.dat
[stressOutputFlag] 1 - output stress data
0 - no stress data
Output Files: ModelName_Lmatl.dat
/internal/ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat
/internal/ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat
04 Linear Inverse Optimization Analysis Run
ModelName_Lmatl_IC.dat
ModelName_Lami.dat
[stressOutputFlag] 1 – output stress data
0 – no stress data
/internal/ModelName_Lmatl_mode(_C).hwascii
NOTE about [screenFlag]; for analysis using ant colony approach (MIDACO), the iterative
solver information is output to the screen even if [screenFlag] is set to 0.
05 Linear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run with Thermal Expansion Considered
ModelName_reduce.dat
ModelName_Lami.dat
[stressOutputFlag] 1 – output stress data
0 – no stress data
ModelName_model.dat
/internal/ModelName_Lmatl_mode(_C).hwascii
Note about ModelName_Lmatl_DD.dat: The material parameter type should be

ENG_THEREXP
Note about ModelName_reduce.dat: should use the following format for *Nonlinear
Mode
*Nonlinear Mode
(from the first inclusion phase to the last)
{material (phase) name
0,0,0,0,0,0
08 Nonlinear Forward Homogenization Analysis Run
[subProgramArguments] in order ModelName_model.dat for multi-scale
(or ModelName_ for single-scale)
ModelName_NLmatl_DD.dat
ModelName_NLtest_DD.dat
Output Files: ModelName_NLmatl.dat
ModelName_mdsMAT.dat
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.csv
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.fem
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.hwascii
NOTE about [ModelName_] for single-scale analysis; For single-scale analysis, there is
neither unit cell nor ModelName_model.dat. [ModelName_] is just an identifier.
09 Nonlinear Inverse Optimization Analysis Run
[subProgramArguments] in order ModelName_model.dat for multi-scale
(or ModelName_ for single-scale)
ModelName_NLmatl_IC.dat
ModelName_NLtest_IC.dat
Output Files: ModelName_NLmatl.dat
ModelName_mdsMAT.dat
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.csv
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.fem
/internal/ModelName_NLSim_#.hwascii
NOTE about [screenFlag]; For analysis using ant colony approach (MIDACO), the iterative
solver information is output to the screen even if [screenFlag] is set to 0.
NOTE about [ModelName_] for single-scale analysis; For single-scale analysis, there is
neither unit cell nor ModelName_model.dat. [ModelName_] is just an identifier.
10 Stochastic Forward Homogenization Analysis
[subProgramArguments] in order [restartFlag] 1 – New analysis
2 – Restart analysis
ModelName_SA_Input.dat
[resultsDir] – Directory for output files
[restartDir] – Directory containing output files

from previous stochastic analysis
Output Files for Linear Analysis: error_log.dat
ModelName_macro_sum(_C).dat
ModelName_macro_sum(_C).dat_out
ModelName_Layup#_sum(_C).dat
ModelName_Layup#_sum(_C).dat_out
ModelName_SA_macro_result(_C).dat
ModelName_SA_Layup#_result(_C).dat
Output Files for Linear and Nonlinear Analysis:
error_log.dat
ModelName_NLSim#_sum.dat
ModelName_NLSim#_sum.dat_out
ModelName_NLSim#_result.dat
ModelName_NLSim_#.fem
ModelName_NLSim_#.hwascii
Note: For linear and nonlinear analysis, linear and geometric properties may be active
variables, but linear properties such as elasticity engineering constants are not output
directly. The only outputs considered are stress vs. strain curves.
12 Stochastic Inverse Optimization Analysis
[subProgramArguments] in order [restartFlag] 1 – New analysis
2 – Restart analysis
[resultsDir] – Directory for output files
[restartDir] – Directory containing output files

from previous stochastic analysis
Output Files for Linear Analysis: MarginalPDFs.dat
ModelName_outputSpaceSummary.dat
ModelName_PDF.dat
ModelName_macro_sum(_C).dat
ModelName_Layup#_sum(_C).dat
ModelName_SA_macro_result(_C).dat
ModelName_SA_Layup#_result(_C).dat
19 Injection Molding *.h5 to *OriTensor.dat conversion
[subProgramArguments] in order *.h5
Output Files: *OriTensor.dat
20 Homogenized Linear Material Export
[subProgramArguments] in order MacroMaterialFileName
SolverType
MaterialType
MaterialID
Output Files: Material Data File
Table 2: Material Type and Output Type for Different Solvers
SolverType MaterialType Output Files Type
OPTISTRUCT MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, MAT9ORT *.fem
RADIOSS LAW12, LAW25 *.rad
ABAQUS ANISOTROPIC, ORTHOTROPIC, ENGINEERING, LAMINA *.inp
ANSYS ANISOTROPIC, ORTHOTROPIC *.MP
LSDYNA ANISOTROPIC, ORTHOTROPIC *.k
MNastran MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, MATORT *.bdf
NNastran MAT2, MAT8, MAT9, MAT11 *.dat
Material Model Data File Formats
General Rules and Notation

Multiscale Designer data file uses ordered keywords started with a “*” and followed by data line(s)
associated with each keyword. For each data line(s), free format is used with either a comma “,” or white
space as a delimiter. The number of fields per a data line are unlimited.
In this document, the following notation is used
 Bold: appears exactly in the data file

 Italic: appears in the data file with appropriate value
 (regular): is a comment and should not appear in the data file
 {regular}: is a representative line(s) for one item in a group
ModelName_geo.dat
*VERSION
2019.1
*MATERIAL
NMaterial (number of micro phases plus one)
(from the first to the last micro phase)
material ID, material name, 0
NMaterial, UC type (Unidirectional, PARTICULATE, WOVEN, WOVEN, LATTICE), 1
*PARA_UC
NUC (number of parametric unit cells)
(from the first to the last parametric unit cell)
*BEGIN_SINGLE_PARA_UC
UCID, UC type (Unidirectional, PARTICULATE, WOVEN, WOVEN, LATTICE)
*PARA_UC_GEOM
MID, CID, PID (Model Type ID, Configuration Type ID, Input Data Type ID)
the first parameter, …, the last parameter
*PARA_UC_MESH
approach ID (1: direct; 2: adaptive), C3D4/C3D10 (Linear or Quad. Tetrahadron)
(for AID=1)
cl value
(for AID=2)
matrix volume fraction tolerance value, max iteration number, CL lower bound, CL upper bound (set LB
and UB to 0 for using default values)
*PARA_UC_PROP
(from the first to the last phase)
phase ID, phase ID
*END_SINGLE_PARA_UC
ModelName_geo.dat – Unit Cell List
MID: 1 – Fibrous
CID: 1 – Square
PID: 3 – Geometry data
Fiber volume fraction
PID: 2 – Manufacturing data (in)
Cured ply thickness (in), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2)
PID: 1 – Manufacturing data (mm)
Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 2 – Square w/ Interphase
Fiber volume fraction, Int thickness / fiber radius
Cured ply thickness (in), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2), Int thickness / fiber radius
Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2), Int thickness / fiber
radius
CID: 3 – Honeycomb
Fiber volume fraction
Cured ply thickness (in), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2)
Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 4 – Honeycomb w/ Interphase
Fiber volume fraction, Int thickness / fiber radius
Cured ply thickness (in), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2), Int thickness / fiber radius
Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber areal weight (g/m2), Int thickness / fiber
radius
CID: 5 – Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF)
Tow major radius ry, Tow minor radius rz, Tow center spacing sy, Tow volume fraction
Filament diameter (mil), Filament count (K), Cured ply thickness (in), Fiber density (g/cm3), Fiber
areal weight (g/m2)
Filament diameter (microns), Filament count (K), Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm 3),
Fiber areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 6 – Discontinuous Fiber
Fiber Length (lx), Fiber Major Radius (ry), Fiber Minor Radius (rz), End Gap Ratio (gx/lx), Fiber
Volume Fraction
Fiber Aspect Ratio (lx/ry), End Gap Ratio (gx/lx), Fiber Volume Fraction
Fiber Aspect Ratio (lx/ry), End Gap Ratio (gx/lx), Fiber Volume Fraction
MID: 2 – Particle
CID: 1 – Cubic
Particle volume fraction
CID: 2 – Cubic w/ Interphase
Particle volume fraction, Int thickness / particle radius
CID: 3 – Body Centered Cubic (BBC)
Particle volume fraction
CID: 4 – BBC w/ Interphase
Particle volume fraction, Int thickness / particle radius
MID: 3 – Woven
CID: 1 – Plain Weave
areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 2 – Four Harness Satin (4HS)
areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 3 – Five Harness Satin (5HS)
areal weight (g/m2)
Filament diameter (microns), Filament count (K), Cured ply thickness (mm), Fiber density (g/cm3),
CID: 4 – Eight Harness Satin (8HS)
areal weight (g/m2)
CID: 5 – 2x2 Twill
areal weight (g/m2)
MID: 8 – Non-orthogonal Woven
CID: 1 – Plain Weave
Tow major radius ry, Tow minor radius rz, Tow center spacing sy, Tow volume fraction, Tow scissor
angle
areal weight (g/m2), Tow scissor angle
Fiber areal weight (g/m2), Tow scissor angle
CID: 2 – Four Harness Satin (4HS)
angle
CID: 3 – Five Harness Satin (5HS)
angle
CID: 4 – Eight Harness Satin (8HS)
angle
CID: 5 – 2x2 Twill
angle
MID: 9 – Lattice
CID: 1 – Star 1-Phase
Diameter/Length Ratio
CID: 2 – Star 5-Phase
Diameter/Length Ratio
ModelName_mesh.dat
*NSD (number of spatial dimensions)
nsd (1, 2, or 3)
*Node (the nodal list)
NNode (number of nodes)
(from the first to the last element)
{Node ID, Node Coordinate 1, …, Node Coordinate NSD}
*Element (the element list)
ElemType (element types: C3D4/C3D10 for tetra or C3D8 for hexa)
NElem (number of elements)
(from the first to the last element)
{Element ID, Element Node 1 ID, …,Element Node nenode ID}
*Elemset (the element set list)
NElemset (number of element sets)
(from the first to the last element set)
Elemset Name
Elemset Type (ORDERED or DIRECT)
(if ORDERED type)
Elemset ID, the first element ID, the last element ID, increment of element ID
(else DIRECT type)
Elemset ID, NelemS (number of elements in the current set)
the first element ID, the second element ID, …, the last element ID (up to 8 per line)
*Phase (the micro phase list)
NPhase (number of micro phases)
{phase name}
*Orientation (the orientation list)
NOrient (number of orientations, might be 0 for the case all the materials are isotropic)
(from the first to the last orientation)
Orientation Name
Orientation ID
[the first directional vector]
[the second directional vector]
[the third directional vector]
*Association (the association list, associate elements, materials and orientations together)
NAssociation (number of associations)
(from the first to the last Association)
{Element set ID, Material ID, Orientation ID (might be 0)}
*FBC0 (the fixed boundary condition list)
NFBC0 (number of fixed boundary conditions 0)
(from the first to the last FBC0)
{Node ID}
*PBC0 (the periodic boundary condition 0 list)
NPBC0 (number of periodic boundary conditions 0)
(from the first to the last PBC0)
{Master Node ID, Slave Node ID}
ModelName_phase.dat
*Phase (the micro phase list)
NPhase (number of micro phases)
{phase name}
*Orientation (the orientation list)
NOrient (number of orientations, might be 0 for the case all the materials are isotropic)
(from the first to the last orientation)
Orientation Name
Orientation ID
[the first directional vector]
[the second directional vector]
[the third directional vector]
*Association (the association list, associate elements, materials and orientations together)
NAssociation (number of associations)
(from the first to the last Association)
{Element set ID, Material ID, Orientation ID (might be 0)}
*NFV (the number of components of the field variable)
nfv (0 – direct scalar field, 1 – differential scalar field, or 3 – differential vector field)
*Linear Material (the material list)
NMaterial (number of materials)
(from the first to the last material)
Material Name
Material symmetry type (ISOTROPIC, TRANSISOTROPIC, ORTHOTROPIC, ANISOTROPIC)
Material parameter type (ENGINEERING_C, ENG_THEREXP_C)
Material ID, the first parameter, …, the last parameter
Density
Desnity Value
*Macro Tests (Optional list of linear macro tests)
NTest (Number of tests)
(from the first to the last testl)
Test Type ID
the first test parameter, …, the last test parameter
Associated laminate ID
Here lists the test ID and number of parameters. For details of parameters, please see user manual.
Test ID
8 – 3-point Bending Test
9 – 4-point Bending Test
10 – Open hole tension/compression Test
11 – Notched Rail Shear Test
NOTE:
 please see the following section about the symmetry type and corresponding parameters
 use ENGINEERING for stiffness only case; use ENG_THEREXP for considering thermal expansion
case
ModelName_Lmatl_IC.dat
*NFV (the number of components of the field variable)
nfv (0,1, or 3)
*Linear Material for Calibration (the material list with active parameter(s) defined)
Material Name
Material symmetry type (ISOTROPIC, TRANSISOTROPIC, ORTHOTROPIC, ANISOTROPIC)
Material parameter type (ENGINEERING_C, ENG_THEREXP_C)
Material ID, the first parameter, …, the last parameter
Nactive (number of active parameters)
(from the first active parameter to the last active parameter)
{parameter ID, lower bound, upper bound}
Density
Density Value
*Constaint
NConstraint (number of constraints)
(from the first to the last)
{master_matl_ID,master_para_ID,slave_matl_ID,slave_para_ID)
*Objective Homogenized Modulus
(case 1: lami_flag=0, unit cell only)
NModulus (number of modulus considered)
{macro modulus ID, objective value, weight}
(case 2: lami_flag>0, consider laminate)
(from the first set to the last set of nlami, assume one to one relation with laminate layups)
NModulus (number of modulus considered)
{macromodulus ID, objective value, weight}
*Calibration Control Parameters
alsorithmID (1 or 2)
(case 1: alsorithmID=1, Trust Region)
Function Tol, Jacobian Tol, Max number of iterations, initial step bound
(case 2: alsorithmID=2, Ant Colony)
Function Tol, Max number of iterations, Max Running Time (S), Screen Output Interval, Whether Output to
File
ModelName_Lami.dat
*Lami_flag (flag for on or off laminate functionality)
lami_flag (0 - no laminate; n - n sets of laminate layups)
(the following info. only appear when lami_flag > 0)
*Laminate layup (all info. about laminate layup)
(from the first layup to the last layup)
Layup direction (1/-1, 2/-2 or 3/-3 w.r.t the global coordinates system X, Y and Z, minus means Injection
Molding – Manual Input laminate)
Nply (number of plies)
(from the first ply to the last ply)
(if General laminate)
Angle (degree), thickness (absolute or relative)
(else Injection Molding – Manual Input laminate)
Angle (degree), thickness (absolute or relative), orientation tensor
ModelName_reduce.dat
*Nonlinear Mode for Inclusion Phase
flagID (0 auto selection; 1 direct specify; 2 for Linear Material Characterization Step forward analysis with
thermal expansion considered)
(if flagID = 1 or 2 then from the first inclusion phase to the last)
modeID1,modeID2,modeID3,modeID4,modeID5,modeID6 (0-multiphase dominant mode; 1-singlephase

dominant mode)}
*Interface Partition Scheme Flag
flagID (1 for one partition per phase; 2 for adaptive partition based on cube projection)
*REF_TEMPERATURE
cure temperature value
ModelName_model.dat
*Homogenized Density
density value
*Homogenized Thermal Expansion
alpha_xx alpha_yy alpha_zz alpha_yz alpha_xz alpha_xy
alpha_xx alpha_yy alpha_zz alpha_yz alpha_xz alpha_xy
(the following are for coefficient tensor for homo and eignstrain problems, all in 6 by 6 matrix notation)
(Repeat everything from *HomoL to *P_nn for all modes)
(if there is no tension/compression difference, there is one mode)
#Universal mode
(else if there is one tension/compression difference, there are two modes)
#Tension mode, and #Compression mode
(else if there is two tension/compression difference, there are four modes)
$Tension/Tension mode, $Compression/Compression mode, $Compression/Tension mode, and

$Tension/Compression mode
*HomoL
HomoL
*HomoE_n
{Part: i
HomoE_i}
*A_n
{Part: i
A_i}
*P_nn
{Part,Part: i, j
P_ij}
ModelName_NLmatl_DD.dat
*Unit Cell Nonlinear Material Parameters
{Material Name
Material ID, Npara, Nstate
the first parameter, …, the last parameter}
*IF_flag (eigendisplacement flag for debonding)
*stabilize
Damping Parameter
*NL_flag (nonlocal flag)
0 or 2 (local or rescaling)
(if 2){
*rescale_TC
Characteristic length in Tension, Characteristic length in Compression
*Lami_flag (laminate flag)
*slice (for injection molding use case)
7,1
*solution control (reduced order model solution control)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (for macro solver)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (for micro solver)
NOTE:
 material ID is listed in the following section, please see user manual for number of parameters,
number of state variable and parameter values
ModelName_NLmatl_IC.dat
*Unit Cell Nonlinear Material Parameters for Calibration
{Material Name
the first parameter, …, the last parameter
(from the first active parameter to the last active parameter)
{parameter ID, lower bound, upper bound}}
*Constaint
NConstraint (number of constraints)
{master_matl_ID, master_para_ID, slave_matl_ID, slave_para_ID)
*IF_flag (eigendisplacement flag for debonding)
*stabilize
Damping Parameter
*NL_flag (nonlocal flag)
0 or 2 (local or rescaling)
(if 2){
*rescale_TC
Characteristic length in Tension, Characteristic length in Compression
*Lami_flag (laminate flag)
*slice (for injection molding use case)
7,1
*solution control (reduced order model solution control)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (for macro solver)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (for micro solver)
ModelName_NLmatl.dat – Material List

Here lists the material ID, the corresponding number of parameters and number of state variables. For
details of parameters and state variables, please see user manual.
1,13,38 – viscoplasticity based on overstress (VBO)

2,3,13 – isotropic elasticity
3,15,13 – transversely isotropic elasticity
4,19,13 – orthotropic elasticity
5,21,13 – anisotropic elasticity
11,13,27 – rate-independent plasticity
12,16,23 – Gurson plasticity
13,16,28 – hybrid isotropic damage and plasticity
14,16,31 – hybrid orthotropic damage and plasticity
15,20,28 – hybrid isotropic damage and rate-dependent plasticity
17,17,27 – rate-dependent plasticity
21,7,15 – isotropic elastic, isotropic damage, bilinear evolution
23,11,15 – isotropic elastic, isotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
24,19,15 - transversely isotropic elastic, axial isotropic damage, bilinear evolution
25,23,15 - orthotropic elastic, axial isotropic damage, bilinear evolution
26,23,15 - transversely isotropic elastic, axial isotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
27,27,15 - orthotropic elastic, axial isotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
28,12,15 – isotropic elastic, isotropic damage for fiber
29,24,15 - transversely isotropic elastic, isotropic damage for fiber
30,28,15 - orthotropic elastic, isotropic damage for fiber
31,8,38 – isotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, bilinear evolution
32,21,38 – transversely isotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, bilinear evolution
33,28,28 – orthotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, bilinear evolution
41,12,38 – isotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
42,25,38 – transversely isotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
43,34,28 – orthotropic elastic, orthotropic damage, 3-piecewise evolution
ModelName_NLtest_DD.dat
Layup direction (1/-1/-4, 2/-2/-5 or 3/-3/-6 w.r.t the global coordinates system X, Y and Z, -1/-2/-3 means
Injection Molding – Manual Input laminate, -4/-5/-6 means Injection Molding – Mapped Input laminate)
(else Injection Molding – Mapped Input laminate)
Mfg Mesh File
Fiber Orientation Result File
*Simulation Sets
Nset (number of simulation sets)
(from the first set to the last set)
Test ID, Npara
The first parameter, …, the last parameter
ModelName_NLtest_IC.dat
Layup direction (1/-1/-4, 2/-2/-5 or 3/-3/-6 w.r.t the global coordinates system X, Y and Z, -1/-2/-3 means
Injection Molding – Manual Input laminate, -4/-5/-6 means Injection Molding – Mapped Input laminate)
(else Injection Molding – Mapped Input laminate)
Mfg Mesh File
Fiber Orientation Result File
*Simulation Sets for Calibration
Test ID, Npara
Ndata (number of test data, excluded 0)
(from the first data to the last data)
{data_i}
*Calibration Control Parameters
algorithmID (1 or 2)
(case 1: algorithmID=1, Trust Region)
Function Tol, Jacobian Tol, Max number of iterations, initial step bound
(case 2: algorithmID=2, Ant Colony)
Function Tol, Max number of iterations, Max Running Time (S), Screen Output Interval, Whether Output to
File
ModelName_NLtest.dat – Test List

Here lists the test ID and number of parameters. Note, all tests are displacement control. For more details
of parameters, please see Macro Simulation Types section.
Test ID, Npara
1,4 – Unnotched Tension/Compression, Monotonic Loading
2,4 – Unnotched Tension/Compression, Load/Unload
5,7 – 3-point Bending Test
6,7 – 4-point Bending Test
8,7 – Open hole tension/compression Test
9,7 – Notched Rail Shear Test
10,7 – Dogbone Test
*MDS_SA Input File
Analysis ID
1-forward analysis
2-inverse analysis
*MDS_Linear or Nonlinear Analysis
Analysis Type ID
1-linear analysis
2-nonlinear analysis
*Sampling Method
Sampling Method ID
1-Monte Carlo
2-Latin Hypercube
3-Equal grid (bounds excluded)
4-Sparse grid
5-Equal grid (bounds included)
Sampling Parameter
If Sampling Method ID = 1, Sampling Parameter = number of samples
If Sampling Method ID = 2, Sampling Parameter = number of samples
If Sampling Method ID = 3, Sampling Parameter = number of sampling levels
*Geometry
Geometry type ID
1-Parametric model
2-External model
Unit Cell Name
If Geometry type ID = 1
MID, CID, PID (Model Type ID, Configuration Type ID, Input Data Type ID)
Number of parameters
real_para1, real_para2, …
approach ID (1: direct; 2: adaptive), C3D4/C3D10 (Linear or Quad. Tetrahadron)
(for AID=1)
cl value
(for AID=2)
matrix volume fraction tolerance value, max iteration number, CL lower bound, CL upper bound (set LB
and UB to 0 for using default values)
Active Geometric Parameter Flag (0,1)
If Active Geometric Parameter Flag = 1
(from the first active geometric parameter to the last geometric parameter)
parameter ID
distribution type
distribution parameters
sampling parameters
If Geometry type ID = 2 (Active geometric parameters for external meshes are not supported)
Mesh Format
Unit Cell mesh file
Unit cell phase file
*Linear Material Identification
**Linear Material Params
Number of Phases
(from the first phase to the last phase)
Phase Name
Symmetry type (1-isotropic, 2-transisotropic, 3-orthotropic, 4-anisotropic)
Number of Parameters
Para1, Para2, ….
Active Linear Parameter Flag (0,1)
If Active Linear Parameter Flag = 1
(from the first active linear parameter to the last linear parameter)
parameter ID
distribution type
sampling parameters
Layup direction (1,2 or 3 w.r.t the global coordinates system X, Y and Z)
{Angle (degree), thickness (absolute or relative)}
*Linear Output Information
If Analysis Type ID = 1
Number of output groups = 1 + number of laminate layups
(from the first output group to the last output group)
Number of output quantities
Output1, output2…. (1 = Exx, 2= Eyy, 3 = Ezz, 4 = Gyz, 5 = Gxz, 6 = Gxy)
If Analysis Type ID = 2 (linear property output is not supported for nonlinear analysis)
If Analysis Type ID = 2
*Nonlinear Material Identification
**Mode_Type
flagID (Currently only a value of 1 is supported)
(from the first inclusion phase to the last)
modeID1,modeID2,modeID3,modeID4,modeID5,modeID6 (0-multiphase dominant mode; 1-singlephase

dominant mode)}
**IF_flag*Interface Partition Scheme Flag
flagID
If flagID = 1
IF Type (1 for one partition per phase; 2 for adaptive partition based on cube projection)
**Nonlinear Material Params
Number of Phases
(from the first phase to the last phase)
Phase Name
MaterialID
Npara
Para1, Para2, ….
Active Nonlinear Parameter Flag (0,1)
If Active Nonlinear Parameter Flag = 1
(from the first active linear parameter to the last linear parameter)
parameter ID
distribution type
sampling parameters
*Solution Control (reduced order model solution control)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (macro solver)
Maximum number of iterations, relative tolerance, absolute tolerance (micro solver)
*Macro Simulation
Simulation ID
Test ID
Npara
Number of outputs
Output Type (1 = stress output, 2 = strain output)
Number of output points
Point Type (1 = time step index, 2 = strain level)
Point1, Point2…..
*Mesh Dependency
*stabilize
Damping Parameter
END
If Analysis ID = 2
*Number of QoI
Number of quantities of interest for inverse analysis
(from the first quantity of interest to the last quantity of interest)
UnitCell_QoI_marg
distribution type
distribution parameter 1
distribution parameter 2
number of intervals
END
ModelName_SA_Input.dat – Probability Distribution List

Here lists the probability distribution ID and parameters.
Distribution types
1 = Uniform
Parameter 1 = Lower Bound
Parameter 2 = Upper Bound
2 = Normal
Parameter 1 = Mean
Parameter 2 = Standard Deviation
3 = Lognormal
Parameter 1 = Mean
Parameter 2 = Standard Deviation
Deterministic Analysis
Unit Cell Model Definition
The architecture of unit cell model definition is shown in Figure 7. A complete unit cell model definition
consists of the following three steps:
1. Creating unit cell geometry and mesh.

2. Defining each micro-phase name, orientation, and element set.
3. Determining periodic boundary conditions and applying to the unit cell mesh.
Figure 7: Unit Cell Model Definition Architecture
Multiscale Designer provides two options for generating unit cell models; (1) using the Multiscale Designer
built-in parametric unit cell model library, or (2) importing an externally developed unit cell model from
another 3rd party preprocessor. Each option is discussed in detail below.
Built-in Parametric Unit Cell Model Library
With this option, users define the geometric attributes of one of the built-in parametric unit cells within
Multiscale Designer. Use the following process to define one of the built-in parametric unit cell models
available.
1. Select the unit cell Model (Fibrous, Particle, Woven, Non-orthogonal Woven, Lattice)
2. Select the unit cell Configuration based on the Model Type setting
3. Select the unit cell Input Data based on the Model Type and Configuration Type setting. Some
unit cells support three parameter input options, Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and
Manufacturing data (mm) by default, and others only support Geometric data input.
a. Fibrous
i. Square
ii. Square w/ Interphase
iii. Honeycomb
iv. Honeycomb w/ Interphase
v. Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF)
vi. Discontinuous Fiber
b. Particle
i. Cubic [Geometric data]
ii. Cubic w/ Interphase [Geometric data]
iii. Body-Centered Cubic (BCC) [Geometric data]
iv. BCC w/ Interphase [Geometric data]
c. Woven
i. Plain Weave
ii. Four Harness Satin (4HS)
iii. Fiver Harness Satin (5HS)
iv. Eight Harness Satin (8HS)
v. 2x2 Twill
d. Non-orthogonal Woven
i. Plain Weave
ii. Four Harness Satin (4HS)
iii. Fiver Harness Satin (5HS)
iv. Eight Harness Satin (8HS)
v. 2x2 Twill
e. Lattice
i. Star 1-Phase [Geometric data]
ii. Star 5-Phase [Geometric data]
4. Define the corresponding geometric attributes (Parameters) for the selected unit cell model
5. Use the Real-time Assistant to obtain allowable values for the geometric attributes of the
selected unit cell model if necessary
6. Define Meshing Control attributes for the unit cell model
a. Element Type, which contains Linear Tetrahadron and Quad. Tetrahadron types. Quad.
Tetrahadron is more accurate than Linear Tetrahadron.
b. Direct, in which case Multiscale Designer will use the user supplied Element Size directly
to mesh the selected unit cell model with the given geometric attributes defined above.
c. Adaptive, in which case Multiscale Designer will automatically refine the mesh until the
difference between the geometric volume and the finite element discretized volume of
matrix phase is less than the specified Geometric Tolerance (%). User can also define the
Max. Iterations for the refinement and specify the lower and upper bound for the
Element Size
7. Click Run… button to execute the Unit Cell Model backend program to generate the finite element
model of the selected unit cell with the given geometric attributes defined above.
8. Click Statistics… button to obtain general information about the generated unit cell model.
9. Click Visualize… button to visualize the generated unit cell model within the Multiscale Designer
internal graphical visualization tool.
10. Click Hypermesh… button to visualize the generated unit cell model by Altair Hypermesh.
Fibrous > Square
For the fibrous square unit cell model, there are three parameter input options, Geometric data,
Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cell with inclusion phase (fiber) is shown
in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Fibrous Square Unit Cell
Geometric data
Geometric Attributes
f
1. Fiber Volume Fraction (%): V
Real-time Input Assistant
1. Max Fiber Volume Fraction (%)
V f  74.5
Real-time Unit Cell Scaled Dimensions
1. Unit Cell Length (x)
x 1
2. Unit Cell Width (y)
y 1
3. Unit Cell Thickness (z)
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
6. Fiber Volume Fraction (%)
Vf
7. Max Element Size
cmax  max  2 g ,0.025 for Linear, cmax  max  2 g ,0.05 for Quad.
8. Min Element Size
cmin  0.025 for Linear, cmin  0.05 for Quad.
Manufacturing data (in)

1. Cure Ply Thickness (in): CPT

2. Fiber Density (g/cm3):  f
3. Fiber Areal Weight (g/m2): FAW
1. Max Fiber Areal Weight (g/m2)
FAW  18925   f  CPT

x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
100* FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size
Manufacturing data (mm)

1. Cure Ply Thickness (mm): CPT

FAW  745   f  CPT

x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size
Fibrous > Square with Interphase
For fibrous square with interphase unit cell model, there are three parameter input options, Geometric
data, Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cell with inclusion phase (fiber) and
interface is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Fibrous Square with Interphase Unit Cell
Geometric data
f
2. Int Thickness / Fiber Radius (t/r): t r
74.5
Vf 
1  t r 2
2. Min Int Thickness / Fiber Radius (t/r)
100
t r  0.0125
Vf
3. Max Int Thickness / Fiber Radius (t/r)
74.5
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
5. Int Thickness (t)
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
Vf
8. Fiber + Int Volume Fraction (%)
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size
cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  ,0.025 for Linear, cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  ,0.05 for Quad.
10. Min Element Size


18925   f  CPT
FAW 
1  t r 2
100
t r  0.0125
Vf
74.5
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
100* FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size


745   f  CPT
FAW 
1  t r 2
100
t r  0.0125
Vf
74.5
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Fiber Radius (r)
Vf
r
100
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size
Fibrous > Honeycomb
For the fibrous honeycomb unit cell model, there are three parameter input options, Geometric data,
Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cell with inclusion phase (fiber) is shown
in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Fibrous Henoycomb Unit Cell
Geometric data
f
V f  86.2
x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
Vf
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size


FAW  21895   f  CPT

x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
100  FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size


FAW  862   f  CPT

x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
5. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size
Fibrous > Honeycomb with Interphase
For fibrous honeycomb with interphase unit cell model, there are three parameter input options,
Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cell with inclusion phase
(fiber) and interface is shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11: Fibrous Honeycomb with Interphase Unit Cell
Geometric data
f
86.2
Vf 
1  t r 2
2 100
t r  0.0125 f
3 V
86.2
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
Vf
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size


21895   f  CPT
FAW 
1  t r 2
2 100
t r  0.0125 f
3 V
86.2
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
100  FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size


862   f  CPT
FAW 
1  t r 2
2 100
t r  0.0125 f
3 V
86.2
t r 1
Vf
x 1
y 1
z  1.7321
4. Fiber Radius (r)
3 Vf
r
2 100
t  r t r
6. Fiber Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
V f int  V f  1  t r 
2
9. Max Element Size
Fibrous > Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF)
The fibrous non-crimp fabric (NCF) unit cell consists of an ellipsoidal tow in a rectangular box. This would
typically be used in conjunction with a laminate to model a non-crimp fabric composite. There are three
parameter input options, Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The
unit cell with inclusion phase (fiber) is shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12: Fibrous Non-Crimp Fabric (NCF) Unit Cell
Geometric data
1. Tow Major Radius (ry): ry
2. Tow Minor Radius (rz): rz

3. Tow Spacing (sy): s y
T
4. Tow Volume Fraction (%): V
1. Max Tow Volume Fraction (%)
100  ry
VT 
2.05  s y
2. Actual Fiber Volume Fraction (%)
V f  0.9069 V T
3. Actual Cure Ply Thickness (CPT)
100  ry  rz
CPT 
V T  sy
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x 1
y 1
z  F  CPT
5. Tow Major Radius (ry)
ry  F  ry
6. Tow Minor Radius (rz)
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
8. Tow Major Gap (gy)
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
9. Tow Minor Gap (gz)
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 2 
V f  0.9069 V T
11. Tow Volume Fraction (%)
VT
12. Max Element Size
 
cmax  max min  ry , rz , 2 g y , 2 g z  ,0.01 for Linear,
 
cmax  max min  ry , rz , 2 g y , 2 g z  ,0.025 for Quad.

1. Filament Diameter (mil): 

2. Filament Count (K): K
1. Max Filament Diameter (mil)
CPT

0.004
2. Max Filament Count (K)
K  24
FAW  5225     f  CPT

100  FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
5. Actual Tow Volume Fraction (%)
Vf
V T
0.9069
Some intermediate parameters:
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K     2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
2 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x 1
y 1
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 2 
Vf
VT
 
 

1. Filament Diameter (μm): 

1. Max Filament Diameter (μm)
CPT

0.004
K  24
FAW  205     f  CPT

100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
Vf
V T
0.9069
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K     2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
2 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x 1
y 1
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 2 
Vf
VT
 
 
Fibrous > Discontinuous Fiber
The fibrous discontinuous fiber unit cell consists of an ellipsoidal fiber fully embedded in a rectangular
box. This would typically be used in conjunction with short/long reinforced fiber injection molded
composites. There are three parameter input options, Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and
Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cell with inclusion phase (fiber) is shown in Figure 13.
Figure 13: Fibrous Discontinuous Fiber Unit Cell
Geometric data
1. Fiber Length (lx): lx

2. Fiber Major Radius (ry): ry
3. Fiber Minor Radius (rz): rz

4. End Gap Ratio (gx/lx): g x l x
f
1. Max Fiber Length (lx)
lx  500  rz
100  
Vf 
4.41 1  2  g x lx 
Some intermediate parameters

100  
p 1
4V  1  2 g x lx 
f
1. Scale factor
1
F
2  ry  1  p 
x  F  lx * 1  2 g x lx 
y 1
z  F  2  rz  1  p 
5. Fiber Length (lx)
lx  F  lx
6. Fiber Major Radius (ry)
ry  F  ry
7. Fiber Minor Radius (rz)
rz  F  rz
8. End Gap (gx)
g x  F  lx * g x l x
9. Fiber Major Gap (gy)
g y  F  p  ry
10. Fiber Minor Gap (gz)
g z  F  p  rz
Vf
cmax  min  ry , rz , 2 g x , 2 g y , 2 g z  for Linear, cmax  min  ry , rz , 2 g x , 2 g y , 2 g z  for Quad.
r r g g g  r r 
cmin  min  y , z , x , y , z  for Linear, cmin  min  y , z , g x , g y , g z  for Quad.
4 4 2 2 2 2 2 

1. Fiber Aspect Ratio (lx/ry): lx ry

f
lx  500  rz
100  
Vf 
4.41 1  2  g x lx 

100  
p 1
4V  1  2 g x lx 
f
1. Scale factor
1
F
2  ry  1  p 
x  F  lx * 1  2 g x lx 
y 1
z  F  2  rz  1  p 
lx  F  lx
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
8. End Gap (gx)
g y  F  p  ry
g z  F  p  rz
Vf
r r g g g  r r 
4 4 2 2 2 2 2 

1. Fiber Aspect Ratio (lx/ry): lx ry

f
lx  500  rz
100  
Vf 
4.41 1  2  g x lx 

100  
p 1
4V  1  2 g x lx 
f
1. Scale factor
1
F
2  ry  1  p 
x  F  lx * 1  2 g x lx 
y 1
z  F  2  rz  1  p 
lx  F  lx
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
8. End Gap (gx)
g y  F  p  ry
g z  F  p  rz
Vf
r r g g g  r r 
4 4 2 2 2 2 2 
Particle > Cubic
For the particle simple cubic unit cell model, only the Geometric data input option is supported. The unit
cell with inclusion phase (particle) is shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14: Particle Cubic Unit Cell
Geometric data
p
1. Particle Volume Fraction (%): V
1. Max Particle Volume Fraction (%)
V p  48.5
x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Particle Radius (r)

3
3V p
r
400
5. Particle Gap (g)
g  0.5  r
6. Particle Volume Fraction (%)
Vp
7. Max Element Size
8. Min Element Size
Particle > Cubic with Interphase
For the particle simple cubic with interphase unit cell model, only the Geometric data input option is
supported. The unit cell with inclusion phase (particle) and interface is shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15: Particle Cubic with Interphase Unit Cell
Geometric data
p
2. Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r): t r
48.5
Vp 
1  t r 3
2. Min Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r)
3
400
t r  0.0125
3V p
3. Max Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r)
3
48.5
t r 1
Vp
x 1
y 1
z 1
3
3V p
r
400
t  r t r
6. Particle Gap (g)
g  0.5  r  1  t r 
Vp
8. Particle + Int Volume Fraction (%)
V p int  V p  1  t r 
3
9. Max Element Size
cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  , 0.025 for Linear, cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  , 0.05 for Quad.
Particle > Body Centered Cubic (BCC)
For the particle body centered cubic unit cell model, only the Geometric data input option is supported.
The unit cell with inclusion phase (particle) is shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16: Particle Body Centered Cubic (BCC) Unit Cell
Geometric data
p
V p  62.3
x 1
y 1
z 1

3
3V p
r
800
5. Particle Gap (g)
3
g  2r
2
Vp
7. Max Element Size
cmax  max  2 g , 0.025 for Linear, cmax  max  2 g , 0.05 for Quad.
8. Min Element Size
Particle > BCC with Interphase
For the particle body centered cubic with interphase unit cell model, only the Geometric Data input option
is supported. The unit cell with inclusion phase (particle) and interface is shown in Figure 17.
Figure 17: Particle BCC with interphase Unit Cell
Geometric data
p
2. Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r): t r
62.3
Vp 
1  t r 3
2. Min Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r)
3
800
t r  0.0125
3V p
3. Max Int Thickness / Particle Radius (t/r)
3
62.3
t r 1
Vp
x 1
y 1
z 1
3
3V f
r
800
t  r t r
6. Particle Gap (g)
3
g  2r  1  t r 
2
Vp
8. Particle + Int Volume Fraction (%)
V p int  V p  1  t r 
3
9. Max Element Size
cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  , 0.025 for Linear, cmax  max  min  2t , 2 g  , 0.05 for Quad.
Woven
The woven unit cell model includes Plain Weave, Four Harness Satin (4HS), Five Harness Satin (5HS), Eight
Harness Satin (8HS), and 2x2 Twill. The cross-section of each tow is assumed to be an ellipse. The xy-
plane is the plane of the weave with the z-direction as thickness direction. There are three parameter
input options, Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The unit cells with
inclusion phases (tows) are shown in Figure 18 - Figure 22.
Figure 18: Woven Plain Weave Unit Cell
Figure 19: Woven 4HS Unit Cell
Figure 22: Woven 2x2 Twill Unit Cell
Geometric data
1. Tow Major Radius (ry): ry ( rx  ry )

3. Tow Spacing (sy): s y ( sx  s y )
T
100  ry
VT 
2.05  s y
V f  0.9069 V T
200  ry  rz
CPT 
V T  sy
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
x  4 for 2x2 Twill
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
V f  0.9069 V T
VT
cmax  min  2ry , 2rz ,10 g y ,10 g z  for Linear, cmax  min  2ry , 2rz ,10 g y ,10 g z  for Quad.
cmin  min  ry , rz ,5g y ,5g z  for Linear, cmin  min  2ry , 2rz ,10 g y ,10 g z  for Quad.


4. Fiber Density (g/cm3): f
CPT

0.004
K  24
FAW  5225     f  CPT

100  FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
Vf
VT 
0.9069
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K    2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
4 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
Vf
VT


CPT

0.004
K  24
FAW  205     f  CPT

100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
Vf
V  T
0.9069
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K    2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
4 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
Vf
VT
Non-orthogonal Woven
The non-orthogonal woven unit cell model also includes Plain Weave, Four Harness Satin (4HS), Five
Harness Satin (5HS), Eight Harness Satin (8HS), and 2x2 Twill. The difference between woven and non-
orthogonal woven unit cells is that the tows in direction x and y are non-orthogonal. The xy-plane of non-
orthogonal woven unit cell is not a rectangle any more. It is a parallelogram. There are also three
parameter input options, Geometric data, Manufacturing data (in), and Manufacturing data (mm). The
unit cells with inclusion phases (tows) are shown in Figure 23 - Figure 27.
Figure 23: Non-orthogonal Woven Plain Weave Unit Cell
Figure 24: Non-orthogonal Woven 4HS Unit Cell
Figure 27: Non-orthogonal Woven 2x2 Twill Unit Cell
Geometric data
1. Tow Major Radius (ry): ry ( rx  ry )
3. Tow Spacing (sy): s y ( sx  s y )

T
5. Tow Scissor Angle (deg): 
1. Min Tow Scissor Angle (deg)
  45
100  ry
VT 
2.05  s y
V f  0.9069 V T
200  ry  rz
CPT 
V T  sy
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
V f  0.9069 V T
VT


CPT

0.004
K  24
FAW  5225     f  CPT

  45
100  FAW
Vf 
25400  CPT   f
Vf
V T
0.9069
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K    2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
4 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
Vf
VT


CPT

0.004
K  24
FAW  205     f  CPT

  45
100  FAW
Vf 
1000  CPT   f
Vf
VT 
0.9069
100
p 1
4V T
CPT ATow 0.001 K    2

rz  , ry  , A 
Tow
4 1  p   rz 0.9069  4
s y  2  ry  1  p 
1. Scale factor
1
F
sy
x  2 for Plain
x  4 for 4HS
x  5 for 5HS
x  8 for 8HS
y2 for Plain
y4 for 4HS
y  5 for 5HS
y 8 for 8HS
y4 for 2x2 Twill
z  F  CPT
ry  F  ry
rz  F  rz
7. Tow Spacing (sy)
sy  1
s 
g y  F   y  ry 
2 
 CPT 
gz  F    rz 
 4 
Vf
VT
Lattice
For the lattice star (including 1-phase and 5-phase) unit cell model, only the Geometric Data input option
is supported. The unit cells are shown in Figure 28 and Figure 29.
Figure 28: Lattice Star 1-Phase Unit Cell
Figure 29: Lattice Star 5-Phase Unit Cell
Geometric data
1. Diameter / Length Ratio (d/x): d x
1. Max Diameter / Length Ratio (d/x)
d x  0.50 for 1-phase lattice
d x  0.30 for 5-phase lattice

2. Min Diameter / Length Ratio (d/x)
d x  0.10
x 1
y 1
z 1
4. Ligament Diameter (d)
d d x
5. Node Diameter
1.5  d
6. Max Element Size
d  d 
cmax  max  ,0.025  for Linear, cmax  max  ,0.025  for Quad.
2  2 
7. Min Element Size
External Unit Cell Models

External unit cell models can be generated with a 3rd party pre-processor, like Altair HyperMesh© . The
following external unit cell model input file formats are supported by Multiscale Designer.
1. OptiStruct (*.fem)
2. Abaqus (*.inp)
In the case of an OptiStruct (*.fem) external unit cell model, the following keywords are required to be
defined;
1. GRID
NOTE: IDs must start at 1 and increment with no gaps
2. CTETRA or CHEXA
NOTE: currently only linear and quadratic tetra and hexa elements are supported
3. PSOLID
$HWNAME PROP [ID] “micro-phase name”
NOTE: one for each micro-phase
See OptiStruct Reference Guide Bulk Data Section for further keyword details.
In the case of an Abaqus (*.inp) external unit cell model, the following keywords are required to be defined
within the model;
1. *NODE
2. *ELEMENT, TYPE=C3D4 or C3D10, ELSET=[micro-phase name]
NOTE: one for each micro-phase
NOTE: currently only tetra elements (C3D4 or C3D10) are supported
3. *MATERIAL, NAME=[material name]
*ELASTIC, TYPE=ISOTROPIC
[E], [v], [temp]
NOTE: only a single material is required
4. *SOLID_SECTION, ELSET=[micro-phase name], MATERIAL=[material name]
NOTE: one for each micro phase
See Abaqus Keyword Reference Manual for further keyword details.
Two example external unit cell models can be found in [ExampleDir]\...
1. external_unit_cell_ex1.inp (External Fibrous Square Unit Cell in Abaqus format)

2. external_unit_cell_ex2.fem (External Fibrous Square Unit Cell in OptiStruct Bulk Data format)
The process to create an external unit cell model is detailed below in the following steps;
1. Create the unit cell geometry and mesh in a 3rd party pre-processor, like Altair HyperMesh®. Note,
currently only tetra meshes are supported. Also note, all meshes must be periodic (i.e. same node
locations on opposing faces of the unit cell). Altair HyperMesh® has a periodic meshing capability
under Mesh > Create > 2D Elements > Periodic Mesh. If using Altair HyperMesh® ensure to put
the elements representing each phase into their own collector.
2. Create the remaining required keywords within the 3rd party pre-processor. Create only ONE
material. Create one property for each micro phase and assign to the corresponding micro phase
collector.
3. Export the external unit cell model input file from the 3rd party pre-processor to one of the
Multiscale Designer supported external unit cell model input file formats, OptiStruct *.fem or
Abaqus *.inp are currently supported formats.
4. From the Unit Cell Model Definition window > External Model tab as shown in Figure 30, click
the Browse… button to select the exported external unit cell model input file.
5. Click the Import… button to read in the external unit cell model mesh and element set data
defined within the external unit cell model input file.
6. Click the Define … button to open the build-in Micro-Phase Attribute Definition window as shown
in Figure 31. This window is used to create the ModelName_phase.dat file required for running
Linear Material Characterization and beyond. The details of defining the required micro-phase
attributes as described in the paragraph below Figure 31, however once complete click Confirm
to create the ModelName_phase.dat file.
7. Click the Run… button to determine and apply the periodic boundary conditions to the external
unit cell mesh.
8. Finally click the Statistics… button to review statistics on the resulting finalized external unit cell
model; and/or click the Visualization… button to review graphically the finalized external unit cell
model data; and/or click the Hypermesh… button to review graphically the finalized external unit
cell model data in Hypermesh; and click the Close button to finish this Step.
Figure 30: External Unit Cell Model Definition Window
Figure 31: External Unit Cell Model Micro-Phase Attribute Definition Window
Table 3: External Unit Cell Model Micro-Phase Attribute Definition Window Options
○
1 Mesh Viewer Window ○
2 Global Coordinate
○
3 Number of Micro Phases ○
4 Phase Names and Element Set ID’s table
○
5 Number of Material Orientations ○
6 Orientation Definitions and Element Set ID’s table
○
7 Element Sets’ Definition table ○
8 Mesh View Controllers
○
9 Confirm Button ○
10 Cancel Button
○
11 Save ModelName_phase.dat File ○
12 Load ModelName_phase.dat File
○
13 Material Coordinate
Various options for viewing and controlling micro-phase attributes are defined in above Table. Tags ○
1
and ○
2 show the unit cell mesh and global coordinates, respectively. The number of micro-phases is
defined in box ○
3 . Table ○
4 assigns element sets to different micro-phases. By clicking in the 2nd and 3rd
column of Table ○
4 , you can input the names of phases and associated element sets to each micro-phase.
The number of material orientations is defined in box ○

5 , with 0 denoting that all phases are isotropic. In
general, it is good practice to define an orientation for each phase even if it is the global orientation. Table
○
6 assigns element sets to different material orientations. By clicking in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th columns
of Table ○
6 , you can change the names of material orientations, set the (Cos(X’,X)) values of the
orientation matrix, associate element sets and display or turn off the material coordinates using on/off
button. Table ○
7 relates phases and material orientation information for each element set. By clicking in
the 2nd, 3rd,4th,5th and 6th columns of Table ○

7 , you can associate phase and material orientation
information for each element set, modify element set color and control the visibility of each element set
(on/off button). Various controllers in ○
8 provide additional options for mesh viewing including rotation,
scaling, shifting, hiding/displaying mesh surfaces, mesh edges and possibility for perspective viewing of
the model. The confirm button ○
9 , allows Multiscale Designer to save the micro-phase attribute
definitions to the ModelName_phase.dat file and close the window. The Cancel button ○
10 enables the
user to close the window without saving any ModelName_phase.dat file. The save ○
11 and load ○
12 buttons
provide the user with the functionality to temporally save and load micro-phase attribute definition files.
Note that all the micro-phase attribute definitions can be defined in Tables ○
4 and ○
6 or alternatively in
Table ○
7 . Also note the similarity between Micro Phase Data Generation window and the Result window.
The only difference between the two windows is that in the result window users can only review the
inputted micro-phase attribute definitions without being able to edit them.
Linear Material Characterization
The architecture of linear material characterization is shown in Figure 32. For general multiphysics
analysis, linear material parameters for different physical fields need to be defined. Mathematically, there
are three types of fields: direct scalar fields (such as density), differential scalar fields (such as thermal
conductivity and diffusivity) and differential vector fields (such as elastic mechanical properties). For each
type of field, either forward homogenization or inverse characterization approach can be used to identify
micro and macro linear material properties of the unit cell. In the forward homogenization approach, all
the micro phase properties are prescribed a priori and the corresponding macro unit cell homogenized
properties are computed by solving a forward homogenization problem. In the inverse optimization
approach, a selection of the macro unit cell homogenized properties is prescribed (either from the
experimental data or design target values) and the unknown active micro phase properties are
determined by solving an inverse optimization problem. The inverse optimization approach is often
exercised in practice since many of the micro phase properties are difficult to measure and most of the
experimental data available is at the macro-scale level.
After linear material characterizaiton, the reduced order model is computed automatically to considerably
reduce the computational cost of the nonlinear material characterization process and subsequent
nonlinear macro analysis. The reduced order model technique is used to reduce the total number of
degrees-of-freedom in the unit cell problem. This involves the solution of a series of influence function
problems and the resulting coefficient tensors serve as a material database of the reduced order unit cell
model.
Figure 32: Linear Material Characterization Architecture
To begin Linear Material Characterization Step, click the Linear Material Characterization button on the
Multiscale Designer main window to bring up the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in
Figure 33. Note that the Unit Cell Mesh File is automatically loaded from the Unit Cell Model Definition
Step. Linear material characterizations can be performed with the Forward Homogenization or Inverse
Characterization approach. Note, the left side of the Linear Material Characterization window is reserved
for entering Micro Material Property, whereas the right side is reserved for displaying or entering the
Homogenized Macro Material Property. For each solution approach the following linear Material Type
(Material Characterizations) can be performed;
1. Density (Direct Scalar Field)

2. Thermal Conductivity (Differential Scalar Field)
3. Diffusivity (Differential Scalar Field)
4. Elasticity (Differential Vector Field)
Within each linear material characterization (type), each phase can have the following material Symmetry
Type defined. Each phase symmetry type is independent of any other phase.
1. Isotropic
2. Transversely Isotropic (23-plane)
3. Orthotropic
4. Anisotropic
Figure 33: Linear Material Characterization Window
A summary of linear parameter list supported by Multiscale Designer is shown in Table 4. These
parameters can be assigned to each micro-phase with various combinations. The resulting macro
homogenized tensors are summarized in Table 5, which also includes the macro homogenized moduli that
can be used for the inverse characterization. For the inverse characterization approach, the total number
of active parameters should be less than or equal to the number of observed (target) macro parameters.
The maximum number of active parameters permissible is given in Table 5.
Table 4: Micro-Phase Linear Parameters
Field Type Symmetry Type Micro parameters ( n phases, i  1, 2, ,n)
Direct Scalar Field Di

Isotropic Di
Transversely D1, D2i
Differential Scalar Field
Orthotropic D11, D22 , D33i
Anisotropic D11, D22 , D33 , D23 , D13 , D12i
Isotropic E, , EC , , i
Transversely E , E ,
1 2 12 , 23 , G12 , E1_ C , 1 ,  2 , i
Differential Vector Field
Orthotropic E , E , E ,
1 2 3 12 ,13 , 23 , G12 , G13 , G23 , E1_ C , 1 ,  2 , 3 , i
Anisotropic D11, D12 , , D56 , D66 , 11,  22 , 33 ,  23 , 13 , 12 , i
Table 5: Macro Homogenized Linear Parameters
Macro modulus can be Maximum number

Field Type Homogenized Tensor
used for calibration of active parameters
Direct Scalar
D D 1
Field
 D11 D12 D13 

Differential  
Scalar Field  D12 D22 D23  D11 , D22 , D33 3
 D13 D23 D33 
 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 

 
 D12 D22 D23 D24 D25 D26  E11 , E22 , E33 ,
Differential  D13 D23 D33 D34 D35 D36 
  G23 , G13 , G12 6
Vector Field  D14 D24 D34 D44 D45 D46 
D D25 D35 D45 D55 D56   f  Dij 
 15 
 D16 D26 D36 D46 D56 D66 
Forward Homogenization
For the forward homogenization method, material parameter values for each micro phase must be
specified a priori. Clicking the Run… button in the Linear Material Characterization window will execute
the backend programs that compute the macro unit cell homogenized properties for the selected Material
Type. Clicking the Result… button in the Linear Material Characterization window after execution of the
backend programs will directly display the Linear Material Characterization Results which contains the
resulting micro phase and macro unit cell homogenized material property results. Clicking the Excel…
button will display the Linear Material Characterization Results Excel File which also contains the resulting
micro phase and macro unit cell homogenized material property results. Clicking the HyperView… button
will display the Linear Material Characterization HyperView Results which contain the resulting micro
phase displacement and stress results for elasticity problems. In the following, each material type analysis
is described in detail.
Density
For the forward homogenization method, Material Type=Density, the density of each micro phase must
be specified a priori in the Micro Material Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of the
Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 34. The macro unit cell homogenized
density, as shown in the Macro Homogenized Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of the
Linear Material Characterization window of Figure 34, will be calculated based on the micro phase density
values.
Figure 34: Linear Material Characterization - Forward Homogenization - Density
Input parameters
1.  : density
Resulting material density matrix

Stability Criteria
 0
Thermal Conductivity
For the forward homogenization method, Material Type=Thermal Conductivity, the thermal
conductivities of each micro phase must be specified a priori in the Micro Material Property frame of the
Forward Homogenization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 35.
Each micro phase can have an independent Symmetry Type = (Isotropic, Transversely Isotropic,
Orthotropic, or Anisotropic) that defines which thermal conductivity values must be specified for that
micro phase. The macro unit cell homogenized thermal conductivities, as shown in the Macro
Homogenized Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of the Linear Material
Characterization window of Figure 35, will be calculated based on the micro phase thermal conductivity
values. The details of each symmetry type for thermal conductivity are discussed in detail below.
Figure 35: Linear Material Characterization - Forward Homogenization – Thermal Conductivity
Isotropic Linear Material Law
Input parameters
1. T: thermal conductivity or diffusivity
Resulting material thermal conductivity matrix

𝑇 0 0
[0 𝑇 0]
0 0 𝑇
Stability T > 0
Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law

Input parameters
1. T1: thermal conductivity or diffusivity in axial direction

2. T2: thermal conductivity or diffusivity in transverse direction

𝑇1 0 0
[0 𝑇2 0]
0 0 𝑇2
Stability T1, T2 > 0
Orthotropic Linear Material Law

Input parameters
1. T1: thermal conductivity or diffusivity in 1-direction


𝑇1 0 0
[0 𝑇2 0]
0 0 𝑇3
Stability T1, T2, T3 > 0
Anisotropic Linear Material Law

Input parameters


𝑇11 𝑇12 𝑇13
[𝑇12 𝑇22 𝑇23 ]
𝑇13 𝑇23 𝑇33
Stability all eigenvalues of material matrix are positive
Diffusivity
For the forward homogenization method, Material Type=Diffusivity, the diffusivities of each micro phase
must be specified a priori in the Micro Material Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of
the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 36. Each micro phase can have an
independent Symmetry Type = (Isotropic, Transversely Isotropic, Orthotropic, or Anisotropic) that
defines which diffusivity values must be specified for that micro phase. The macro unit cell homogenized
diffusivities, as shown in the Macro Homogenized Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of
the Linear Material Characterization window of Figure 36, will be calculated based on the micro phase
thermal conductivity values. The details of each symmetry type for diffusivity are discussed in detail
below.
Figure 36: Linear Material Characterization - Forward Homogenization – Diffusivity

Input parameters
1. D : thermal conductivity or diffusivity

D 0 0 
0 D 0
 
 0 0 D 
Stability
D0

Input parameters
1. D1 : thermal conductivity or diffusivity in axial direction

2. D2 : thermal conductivity or diffusivity in transverse direction
 D1 0 0 
0 D 0
 2 
 0 0 D2 
Stability
D1, D2  0

Input parameters
1. D1 : thermal conductivity or diffusivity in 1-direction

 D1 0 0 
0 D 0
 2 
 0 0 D3 
Stability
D1, D2 , D3  0

Input parameters

 D11 D12 D13 

D D D 
 12 22 23 
 D13 D23 D33 
Stability
all eigenvalues of material matrix are positive
Elasticity
For the forward homogenization method, Material Type=Elasticity, the linear elastic engineering
constants of each micro phase must be specified a priori in the Micro Material Property frame of the
Forward Homogenization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 37.
Each micro phase can have an independent Symmetry Type = (Isotropic, Transversely Isotropic,
Orthotropic, or Anisotropic) that defines which linear elastic engineering constants must be specified for
that micro phase. The macro unit cell homogenized linear elastic engineering constants, as shown in the
Macro Homogenized Property frame of the Forward Homogenization tab of the Linear Material
Characterization window of Figure 37, will be calculated based on the micro phase linear elastic
engineering constants. The details of each symmetry type for elasticity are discussed in detail below.
Note that all material parameters are defined in local coordinate system for each unit cell as shown in
Figure 5 and Figure 6. Additionally, for the forward homogenization, material type elasticity, Density and
Thermal Expansion parameters are needed for each micro phase. The linear material characterization
backend program will calculate the macro unit cell homogenized density and coefficient of thermal
expansion.
The results of the linear material characterization are in the results files ModelName_Lmatl.dat and
ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat, ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat for micro phase and
homogenized unit cell properties respectively. The Micro sheet in the ModelName_Lmatl.xlsx displays
the contents of ModelName_Lmatl.dat which contains the micro phase properties used to run the linear
material characterization of the homogenized unit cell as shown in Figure 38. The Macro_T/C and
Layup#_T/C tabs display the contents of ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat and
ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat which contain the homogenized unit cell and laminat property results
as shown in Figure 38.
Figure 37: Linear Material Characterization - Forward Homogenization – Elasticity
Figure 38: Linear Material Characterization - Forward Homogenization – Elasticity Results

Input parameters
1. E : Young’s modulus in Tension

2.  : Poisson’s ratio
3. EC : Young’s modulus in Compression
4.  : Coefficient of thermal expansion
5.  : Density
Resulting material stiffness matrix
  2   0 0 0
    2  0 0 0 

     2 0 0 0
 
 0 0 0  0 0
 0 0 0 0  0
 
 0 0 0 0 0 
Where;
vE vC EC
 in Tension,   in Compression
1  v 1  2v  1  vC 1  2vC 
E EC
 in Tension,   in Compression
2 1  v  2 1  vC 
EC
Supposing vC  1  v   1
E
Stability
E 0
1    0.5
Thermal expansion vector
 
 
 
 
 
0
0
 
0
Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law (23-plane of isotropy)

Input parameters
1. E1 : Young’s modulus in axial direction

2. E2 : Young’s modulus in transverse direction
3. 12 : Poisson’s ratio in axial direction
4.  23 : Poisson’s ratio in transverse direction
5. G12 : Shear modulus in axial direction
6. E1_C : Young’s modulus in axial direction - compression
7. 1 : Coefficient of thermal expansion in axial direction
8. 2 : Coefficient of thermal expansion in transverse direction
9.  : Density
n l l 0 0 0
l k  m k  m 0 0 0 

l k  m k  m 0 0 0
 
0 0 0 m 0 0
0 0 0 0 p 0
 
0 0 0 0 0 p
Where;
E2
G23 
2 1  v23 
𝜈12 𝐸2
𝜈21 =
𝐸1
k  1/  1/ G23    4 / E2   4v122 / E1 
l  2kv12
n  E1  l 2 / k
m  G23
p  G12
Stability
E2 , E1, G23 , G12  0

 23  1
 21  sqrt  E2 E1 
12  sqrt  E1 E2 
1  232  2 2112  2 23 2112  0

1 
 
 2
 2 
 
0
0
 
0

Input parameters
1. E1 : Young’s modulus in 1-direction

4. 12 : Poisson’s ratio in 1-plane, 2-direction
6.  23 : Poisson’s ratio in 2-plane, 3-direction
7. G12 : Shear modulus in 1-plane, 2-direction
10. E1_C : Young’s modulus in 1-direction - compression
11. 1 : Coefficient of thermal expansion in 1-direction
14.  : Density
 E1 1  v23v32  /  E1  v21  v31v23  /  E1  v31  v21v32  /  0 0 0 

 
 E1  v21  v31v23  /  E2 1  v13v31  /  E2  v32  v12v31  /  0 0 0 
 E1  v31  v21v32  /  E2  v32  v12v31  /  E3 1  v12v21  /  0 0 0 
 
 0 0 0 G23 0 0 
 0 0 0 0 G13 0 
 
 0 0 0 0 0 G12 
Where;
v21  E2v12 / E1
v31  E3v13 / E1
v32  E3v23 / E2
  1  v21v12  v31v13  v32v23  2v12v23v31
Stability
E1, E2 , E3 , G12 , G13 , G23  0

12  sqrt  E1 E2 
13  sqrt  E1 E3 
 23  sqrt  E2 E3 
1 12 21  23 32 13 31  2 21 3213  0

1 
 
 2
 3 
 
0
0
 
0

Input parameters
1-21. DXY : Stiffness matrix coefficients x,y = 1-6 upper triangle of stiffness matrix only
22-27.  X : Coefficients of thermal expansion x = 1-6

28.  : Density
 D11 D12 D13 D14 D15 D16 

D D22 D23 D24 D25 D26 
 12
 D13 D23 D33 D34 D35 D36 
 
 D14 D24 D34 D44 D45 D46 
 D15 D25 D35 D45 D55 D56 
 
 D16 D26 D36 D46 D56 D66 
Stability
all eigenvalues of material matrix are positive
1 
 
 2
 3 
 
 4 
 5 
 
 6 
Material Database
Multiscale Designer provides the Material Database capability for importing material data directly. Click
the material database icon in the Micro Material Property definition area of the Linear Material
Characteriztion window, to bring up the Constituent Material Database window as shown in Figure 39
and Figure 40.
Figure 39: Material Databse icon in Linear Material Characterization Window
Figure 40: Constituent Material Database
After select Mateiral Class, Material SubClass, and Units, the relevant materials are shown in the
Constituent Material Database window. The Material Class and SubClass are listed in Table 6. Select one
material, then the phase linear and nonlinear material data (at the next step) will be updated
automatically. The Constituent Material Database is available in Linear Forward Homogenization and
Inverse Characterization, and Single-scale Material Characterization.
Table 6: Material Class and SubClass in Material Database
Material Class Material SubClass
Fiber Aramid, Carbon, Glass, Other
Metal Ferrous, Nonferrous
Polymer Thermoplastic, Thermoset
Tow Aramid, Carbon, Glass
Laminate Support
Multiscale Designer provides a laminate capability with support for multiple layups of type General
Laminate or type Injection Molded with Fiber Orientations as shown in Figure 41. For all laminate layup
types, the macro homogenized properties for the forward homogenization or inverse characterization are
defined with respect to the homogenized laminate rather than the homogenized unit cell. General and
Injection Molding laminates can be used in both Forward Homogenization and Inverse Characterization
processes. General laminates are typically used for continuous fiber reinforced production forms, such as
Unidirectional and Weaves. Injection Molding laminates are typically used for short/long fiber reinforced
product forms which have random and/or aligned reinforcement directions commonly characterized by
fiber orientation tensors obtained from a molding simulation or a CT scan. Both general laminate and
injection molding laminate are supported to define symmetric or uniform ply thickness plies conveniently.
Figure 41: General and Injection Molding Laminate Definitions
A general laminate consists of a stack of plies (unit cell layers) generated in Unit Cell Model Definition
Step. The stack direction is the unit cell z-direction. Each ply must specify a thickness and a material
orientation defined with respect to the unit cell x-axis about the unit cell z-axis using right hand rule as
shown in Figure 42. General laminate layups must be symmetric. Currently Non-symmetric general
laminate layups are not supported. The material orientation angle can also be used for a single ply (unit
cell layer) to obtain off-axis homogenized unit cell properties. As shown in Figure 41, multiple laminate
layups with different unit cell layers (plies) can be defined.
Figure 42: General Laminate Orientation Angle Definition
An injection molding laminate consists of a stack of plies (unit cell layers) generated in Unit Cell Model
Definition Step with an additional “n” slices per ply as shown in Figure 43. Each slice within a ply has an
orientation and weight defined by the probability distribution function contained within the fiber
orientation tensor for that layer. All “n” slices for a given ply are summed up to define the overall
properties for that ply accounting for the fiber orientation tensor data appropriately. Then the ply
properties are transformed by the given ply angle to arrive at the final ply properties. This process is
repeated for each ply defined in the injection molding laminate definition. Once all ply properties are
defined, the homogenized properties of the entire laminate can be determined as in the General Laminate
procedure. The fiber orientation tensor results are given in a system defined by the molding simulation
and/or CT scan. All injection molding laminate ply angles must be entered relative to the molding
simulation and/or CT scan fiber orientation tensor results system.
Figure 43: Injection Molding Laminate Orientation Angle and Fiber Orientation Tensor Definitions
The results of the linear material characterization with (or without) the laminate option are in the results
files ModelName_Lmatl.dat, ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat, and
ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat which contain the micro phase, homogenized unit cell, and
homogenized laminate properties respectively. The Micro sheet displays the contents of
ModelName_Lmatl.dat which contains the micro phase properties used to run the linear material
characterization of the homogenized unit cell as shown in Figure 44. The Macro_T/C sheets display the
contents of ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat which contains the homogenized unit cell property results
as shown in Figure 44. The Layup#_T/C sheets display the contents of ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat
which contains the homogenized laminate property results as shown in Figure 44.
Figure 44: Linear Material Characterization – Laminate Homogenization - Results
For the inverse calibration process, discussed in the next section, the Macro Homogenized Material
Properties will come from each laminate you considered as shown in Figure 45. This provides the
possibility to calibrate the micro properties based on macro experimental data from different layups or
loading directions. Note that in case of inverse characterization, it is a good practice to check if the
homogenized modulus is close to the experimental (target) value, the accuracy of which can be controlled
by the user-defined convergence tolerance. If the two differ significantly, check the backend program
screen to see if the optimization problem indeed converged. Moreover, for the inverse analysis, you can
update initial value of active parameter after each complete run using Update Initial Values button in the
Linear Material Characterization window. This is useful for step by step calibration approach.
Figure 45: Calibration with Consideration of Multiple Layups
Additional Macro Simulations

Multiscale Designer provides an Additional Macro Simulation functionality with support for laminates as
shown in Figure 46. For macro simulations, the macro homogenized properties for the forward
homogenization or inverse characterization are defined with respect to the homogenized laminate rather
than the homogenized unit cell. Each laminate layup consists of a stack of the plies (unit cell layers)
generated in Unit Cell Model Definiton Step. The stack direction is the unit cell z-direction. Each ply (unit
cell layer) must specify a thickness and a material orientation angle defined with respect to the unit cell
x-direction about the unit cell z-direction using right hand rule as shown in Figure 42. Laminate layups
must be symmetric. Non-symmetric laminate layups are not supported. All plies in the laminate layup
must be specified. The material orientation angle can also be used for a single ply (unit cell layer) to obtain
off-axis homogenized unit cell properties. As shown in Figure 41, multiple laminate layups with different
unit cell layers (plies) can be defined.
The macro simulations supported in Linear Material Characterization Step are;
1. 3-pt Bending
2. 4-pt Bending
3. Open Home Tension/Compression (OHT/C)
4. Rail Shear
Each macro simulation is further specified in Nonlinear Material Characterization Step.
Figure 46: Calibration with Consideration of Additional Macro Simulations
Inverse Characterization
In the inverse characterization process, we are solving a nonlinear least squares problem with side
constraints to minimize the difference between a set of given experimental values and simulation results.
In the case of a linear characterization the given set of experimental values are the macro properties (in
the case of Elasticity the engineering constant for a given linear elastic material law).
We have the following mathematical inverse optimization problem to solve;
minn F  x  2  minn y  f  x  2 , y  R m , x  R n , f : R n  R m , m  n
2 2
xR xR
li  x  ui , i  1,..., n, l , u  R n
The following inverse characterization control parameters can be entered within the Calibration Control
frame of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window for the Trust
Region algorithm as shown in Figure 47.
1. Function Tolerance stop criteria
F  x  2  func _ tol
2. Jacobian Tolerance stop criteria
J  x 1:m, j   jac _ tol , j  1,..., n

2
3. Maximum Iterations which the optimization algorithm can execute

4. Initial Step Bound is a positive input variable used to determine the initial step bound. The initial
step bound should lie within the interval (0.1,100.0). The recommended value is 100.0.
Note, the Ant Colony algorithm can be used as an alternative to the Trust Region algorithm for inverse
characterization problems where the trust region algorithm has difficulty converging. The Trust Region
algorithm typically converges for linear characterization problems. The Ant Colony algorithm typically
converges for nonlinear characterization problems.
Figure 47: Calibration Control Inverse Optimization Problem Input Parameters
To perform an inverse characterization problem both active parameters (variables which can be changed)
and objectives (responses which are trying to be achieved within tolerance bounds) must be defined. For
each active parameter the initial value, lower bound, and upper bound must be specified as shown in
Figure 48. Active parameter linking can be achieved by defining constraints between two active
parameters within the Constraints section of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Linear Material
Characterization window. Within Figure 48, an active parameter link constraint is defined between phase
#2 material parameter #2 (i.e. E2 of the Fiber Phase), the master active parameter, and phase #2 material
parameter #3 (i.e. E3 of the Fiber Phase), the slave active parameter.
Figure 48: Defining Active Parameters (Design Variables) for Inverse Characterization
The objective of an inverse characterization is to determine the micro-phase linear properties which
would produce the macro homogenized linear properties of the unit cell (or laminate layup) within a
specified tolerance from the experimentally measured values of the same. Objectives for an inverse
characterization are defined in the Macro Homogenized Material Property frame of the Inverse
Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 49. Each
objective has a weight indicating the importance (or confidence level) of the experimentally (observed)
macro homogenized property values.
Note, for any given inverse characterization, the total number of active parameters should be less than or
equal to the number of objective (target) macro homogenized properties. The Multiscale Designer GUI
checks this condition for all inverse optimizations (characterizations) problems and will error out if not
satisfied.
Figure 49: Objective Macro Parameter Setting for Inverse Characterization
The stop criteria IDs, displayed within a Linear or Nonlinear Material Characterization Step inverse
characterization backend program result window are given below;
1. Indicates that the algorithm has exceeded the maximum number of iterations
2. Indicated the trust-region area  is too small
3. Indicates that F  x  2  func _ tol

4. Indicates that the Jacobian matrix is singular
5. Indicates that the trial step s is too small
6. Indicates that F  x  2  F  x   J  x  s 2  1.0e16
Note that for inverse characterization, it is a good practice to check if the optimization problem indeed
converged, i.e. the experimental and simulation loading curves are close to each other. If not, check the
backend program screen as shown in Figure 50 to identify the problem. You can track the L2 and L
norms of the objective function.
Figure 50: Nonlinear Material Characterization Backend Program Output for Inverse Characterization
Density
For the inverse characterization method, Material Type=Density, the density of each micro phase can be
set as an active parameter (variable) within the Micro Material Property frame of the Inverse
Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 51. Initial, lower,
and upper bounds need to be set for each active parameter (value). Objective macro homogenized
densities of the unit cell for the inverse characterization need to be selected in the Macro Homogenized
Material Property frame of the Inverse Optimization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window
of Figure 51. Each objective has a weight indicating the importance (or confidence level) of the
experimentally (observed) macro homogenized property values. Note, for any given inverse
characterization, the total number of active parameters should be less than or equal to the number of
objective (target) macro homogenized properties.
Figure 51: Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization – Density
Possible Active Parameters (for each phase)

1.  : density of each phase
Possible Objective Macro Homogenized Properties

1.  : homogenized density of unit cell
Thermal Conductivity
For the inverse characterization method, Material Type=Thermal Conductivity, the thermal
conductivities of each micro phase can be set as an active parameter (variable) within the Micro Material
Property frame of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as
shown in Figure 52. The Initial value, lower bound, and upper bound need to be set for each active
parameter (value). Objective macro homogenized thermal conductivities of the unit cell for the inverse
characterization need to be selected in the Macro Homogenized Material Property frame of the Inverse
Optimization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window of Figure 52. Each objective has a
weight indicating the importance (or confidence level) of the experimentally (observed) macro
homogenized property values. Note, for any given inverse characterization, the total number of active
parameters should be less than or equal to the number of objective (target) macro homogenized
properties. The details of each Symmetry Type for diffusivity are discussed in detail below.
Figure 52: Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization – Thermal Conductivity
1. T: thermal conductivity
1. T1: thermal conductivity in axial direction

2. T2: thermal conductivity in transverse direction
1. T1: thermal conductivity in 1-direction



1. Tx: homogenized thermal conductivity in unit cell X-direction
2. Ty: homogenized thermal conductivity in unit cell Y-direction
3. Tz: homogenized thermal conductivity in unit cell Z-direction
Diffusivity
For the inverse characterization method, Material Type=Diffusivity, the diffusivities of each micro phase
can be set as an active parameter (variable) within the Micro Material Property frame of the Inverse
Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 53. The Initial
value, lower bound, and upper bound need to be set for each active parameter (value). Objective macro
homogenized diffusivities of the unit cell for the inverse characterization need to be selected in the Macro
Homogenized Material Property frame of the Inverse Optimization tab of the Linear Material
Characterization window of Figure 53. Each objective has a weight indicating the importance (or
confidence level) of the experimentally (observed) macro homogenized property values. Note, for any
given inverse characterization, the total number of active parameters should be less than or equal to the
number of objective (target) macro homogenized properties. The details of each Symmetry Type for
diffusivity are discussed in detail below.
Figure 53: Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization – Diffusivity
1. D : diffusivity
1. D1 : diffusivity in axial direction

2. D2 : diffusivity in transverse direction
1. D1 : diffusivity in 1-direction

1. Dx: diffusivity in unit cell X-direction
2. Dy: diffusivity in unit cell Y-direction
3. Dz: diffusivity in unit cell Z-direction
Elasticity
For the inverse characterization method, Material Type=Elasticity, the elastic engineering constants of
each micro phase can be set as an active parameter (variable) within the Micro Material Property frame
of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure
54. The Initial value, lower bound, and upper bound need to be set for each active parameter (value).
Objective macro homogenized elastic engineering constants of the unit cell for the inverse
characterization need to be selected in the Macro Homogenized Material Property frame of the Inverse
Optimization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window of Figure 54. Each objective has a
weight indicating the importance (or confidence level) of the experimentally (observed) macro
homogenized property values. Note, for any given inverse characterization, the total number of active
parameters should be less than or equal to the number of objective (target) macro homogenized
properties. The details of each Symmetry Type for diffusivity are discussed in detail below.
Figure 54: Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization– Elasticity
1. E : Young’s modulus in Tension

2.  : Poisson’s ratio
3. EC : Young’s modulus - compression
Transversely Isotropic Linear Material Law (23-plane of isotropy)
1. E1 : Young’s modulus in axial direction

2. E2 : Young’s modulus in transverse direction
3. 12 : Poisson’s ratio in axial direction
4.  23 : Poisson’s ratio in transverse direction
5. G12 : Shear modulus in axial direction
6. E1_C : Young’s modulus in axial direction - compression

6.  23 : Poisson’s ratio in 2-plane, 3-direction
10. E1_C : Young’s modulus in 1-direction - compression
1-21. DXY : Stiffness matrix coefficients x,y = 1-6 upper triangle of stiffness matrix only

1. Ex: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell X-direction
2. Ey: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell Y-direction
3. Ez: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell Z-direction
4. Gyz: homogenized shear modulus in unit cell YZ-plane
5. Gxz: homogenized shear modulus in unit cell XZ-plane
6. Gxy: homogenized shear modulus in unit cell XY-plane
7. v(xy): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell XY-plane
8. v(xz): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell XZ-plane
9. v(yx): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell YX-plane
10. v(yz): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell YZ-plane
11. v(zx): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell ZX-plane
12. v(zy): homogenized Poisson’s ratio in unit cell ZY-plane
13. Ex_C: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell X-direction - compression
14. Ey_C: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell Y-direction - compression
15. Ez_C: homogenized Young’s modulus in unit cell Z-direction - compression
Nonlinear Material Characterization
The architecture of Nonlinear Material Characterization is shown in Figure 55. As in Linear Material
Characterization Step, either the forward homogenization approach to compute the nonlinear macro
homogenized properties or the inverse characterization approach to characterize active nonlinear micro
properties can be used. In the forward homogenization approach, all nonlinear micro properties are a
priori defined and the nonlinear macro properties are characterized by performing various macro
simulations. In the inverse characterization approach, the nonlinear macro homogenized properties are
defined (typically based on experimentally observed test data from one or more coupon tests) and the
unknown nonlinear micro properties are characterized by solving the inverse optimization problem. For
an inverse characterization of the mechanical solution sequence, macroscopic stress-strain
experimentally observed test data from different coupon tests can be considered simultaneously in
constructing the inverse optimization objective function.
Figure 55: The Architecture for Nonlinear Material Characterization Step
To begin Nonlinear Mateiral Characterization Step, click the Nonlinear Material Characterization button
on the Multiscale Designer main window to bring up the Nonlinear Material Characterization window as
shown in Figure 56. Nonlinear material characterizations can be performed with the Forward
Homogenization or Inverse Characterization approach. Note, the left side of the Nonlinear Material
Characterization window is reserved for entering Micro Material Properties, whereas the right side is
reserved for entering Macro Simulation. For each solution approach, each micro phase must be assigned
one of the following Damage Law;
1. Continuum Damage Models. These models are intended to model brittle material behavior with
either isotropic or orthotropic damage evolution.
a. Isotropic Damage Models
i. Bilinear Damage Evolution
ii. 3-Piecewise Linear Damage Evolution
b. Orthotropic Damage Models
i. Bilinear Damage Evolution
ii. 3-Piecewise Linear Damage Evolution
c. Fiber Isotropic Damage Models
2. Plasticity models. These models are intended to model ductile material behavior. Rate-
Independent Plasticity is a traditional plasticity model driven purely by the distortional tensor,
whereas Rate-dependent Plasticity is similar to Rate-Independent Plasticity. Gurson Plasticity is a
more advanced plasticity model that included coupling between volumetric and distortional
tensors in the plasticity behavior.
a. Rate-Independent Plasticity
b. Rate-Dependent Plasticity
c. Gurson Plasticity
3. Hybrid Continuum Damage and Plasticity Models. These models are intended to model both
brittle and ductile material behavior by including damage (brittle behavior) and plasticity (ductile
behavior) causing the nonlinear (inelastic) behavior of the material.
a. Isotropic Damage and Plasticity
b. Orthotropic Damage and Plasticity
c. Isotropic Damage and Rate-Dependent Plasticity
4. Viscoplasticity. These models account for rate effects.
5. None (Keep Elastic). Some of the micro-phases can be specified to remain elastic throughout the
nonlinear analysis.
a. Isotropic Elasticity
b. Transversely Isotropic Elasticity
c. Orthotropic Elasticity
d. Anisotropic Elasticity
The following nonlinear material characterizations can be performed by specifying one of more of the
following built-in Macro Simulation Models to perform (all in displacement control);
1. Unnotched Tension/Compression (UNT/C)

2. Load/Unload
3. 3-pt Bending
4. 4-pt Bending
5. Open Hole Tension/Compression (OHT/C)
6. Rail Shear
7. Dogbone
Note that you can consider an arbitrary combination of tests some of which can be used for forward
homogenization and others for inverse characterization. For instance, you can combine tests from
different types; or from the same type but different loading directions; or from the same type, the same
loading direction but different loading rates in case of rate-dependent laws; or from the same type, the
same loading direction, the same loading rate but one in tension and another one in compression.
Figure 56: Nonlinear Material Characterization Window
In the Forward Homogenization tab, all nonlinear micro properties are a priori defined and the nonlinear
macro properties are characterized by performing various macro simulations. To perform a nonlinear
material characterization (simulation) with the forward homogenization approach;
1. Assign each micro-phase a Damage Law and enter the necessary nonlinear parameter values. See
the sections below for details of each nonlinear type (continuum damage model) and its
parameters currently supported by Multiscale Designer.
2. (Optionally) define one of more Laminate Layups of a given Laminate Type by entering the
required laminate data.
3. Define one or more Macro Simulations by selecting a Model, Layup ID, and enter the necessary
macro simulation model parameter values. See the sections below for details of each macro
simulation model and its parameters currently supported by Multiscale Designer.
4. Define Solution Controls
a. Determine if B-Bar Stabilization should be considered (Typically active).
b. Determine if Viscous Stabilization should be considered (Typically active) and enter the
Damping Parameter. The recommended value for the damping parameter is 1.0e-4
times the mechanical step loading time for a monotonic loading analysis.
c. Enter the Load Loss Auto Stop % which defines when the simulation will be stopped
automatically.
d. Determine the Number of Threads for SMP parallel computing.
e. Determine the Maximum Outputs for post-processing visualization. This controls the
output file size as adaptive time stepping can require many solution increments to be
performed.
f. Update the Macro and Micro Solution Control parameter values. Generally, the default
values are acceptable.
5. Clicking the Run… button to perform the nonlinear material characterization for each macro
simulation.
Once the nonlinear forward homogenization problem has been completed by the Multiscale Designer
backend programs, the data files Modelname_NLmatl.dat and ModelName_NLSim_#.csv contain the
results of the nonlinear material characterization. The (#) corresponds to the simulation number (Sim #)
defined within the Nonlinear Material Characterization window. These files can be merged to
ModelName_NLmatl.xlsx by clicking the Excel… button. Clicking the Result… button will directly display
the Nonlinear Material Characterization Results. The simulation results can also be viewed in HyperView
by clicking the HyperView… button from the Nonlinear Material Characterization window.
Damage Laws
This section introduces the isotropic and orthotropic damage models built into Multiscale Designer
nonlinear material characterization library. Overall, the continuum damage model formulation within
Multiscale Designer follows the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) framework. Mathematically, a
continuum damage mechanics framework has the following key ingredients;
1. Material degradation is formulated by degradation of the elastic stiffness tensor L0ijkl by the
damage state variable, a scalar w or a higher order tensor Wijkl .

2. Damage initiation and evolution are assumed to be a function of a scalar strain invariant ˆ or
individual principal strains I .
3. Kuhn-Tucker complementarity condition and consistency condition must be satisfied to ensure
that the damage accumulation can only take place on the damage surface and persist on the
surface.
Isotropic Damage Laws
This Section outlines the formulation and numerical implementation of the isotropic continuum damage
model. See reference [2,3,4] for more details.
General Formulation and Implementation
A summary of the general isotropic damage model is given in Box 1. The corresponding implementation
within Multiscale Designer is given in Box 2.
Box 1 General Formulation for Isotropic Damage Model
1. Elastic stress-strain relationship
 ij  1  w Lijkl kl
2. Scalar equivalent strain
𝜀̂ = 𝑓(𝜀𝑖𝑗 , 𝐶)
3. Damage criterion
g ˆ, r  : ˆ  r  0
4. Damage evolution
w   H ˆ 
r 
5. Kuhn-Tucker complementarity conditions
  0, g ˆ, r   0,  g ˆ, r   0
6. Consistency condition
 g ˆ, r   0 if g ˆ, r   0
Remark 1: in the elastic stress-strain relationship, w 0,1

Remark 2: the scalar equivalent strain is defined as a function of current strain state. Two specific forms,
the L2 norm and the maximum norm with respect to the principal strains are used in Multiscale Designer.
3
ˆ   or ˆ  max  I
2
I
I
I 1
Where;
𝜀𝐼 𝜀𝐼 ≥ 0
〈𝜀𝐼 〉 = {
𝐶𝜀𝐼 𝜀𝐼 < 0
I is the principal strain and 𝐶 ∈ [0, ∞] is defined as the compress factor to alleviate the damage
contribution from compression. Setting C = 1 means that the behavior is the same in tension and
compression. Setting C = 0 will completely suppress any damage in compression. Setting C > 1 will lead
to a lower compression strain to failure than the tensile strain to failure.
Remark 3: r0 is used to denote the initial damage threshold before any loading is applied ( r  r0 ).
Remark 4: from the consistency condition it is easy to obtain   ˆ .

G ˆ 
Remark 5: in the damage evolution, let H ˆ  : , where G is assumed to be monotonic (see next
ˆ
section for specific forms). A damage criterion entirely equivalent to the damage criterion is given by
G ˆ   G  r   0
Also from the consistency condition, it is easy to obtain w  G ˆ  .
Box 2 Numerical Implementation for Isotropic Damage Model
1. Database at x  B : wn , rn 
2. Given strain field at x  B : εn1  εn  ε
3. Compute equivalent strain ˆn1
4. IF ˆn1  rn THEN
rn1  rn
wn1  wn
σ n1  1  wn1  Lε n1
σ n1
 1  wn1  L
ε n1
ELSE
rn1  ˆn1
wn1  G ˆn1 
σ n1  1  wn1  Lε n1
σ n1 w
 1  wn1  L  Lε n1 n1
ε n1 ε n1
END IF
Remark_6: For numerical stabilization, the maximum damage state variable could be set to a value less
than 1.0 (such as 0.99), i.e. w  0, wmax  , wmax  1.

Remark_7: In the program, the fully damaged state w  wmax is checked first to skip all unnecessary
calculation of equivalent strain and damage state variable.
Remark 8: In the program, the consistent tangent may destroy the positive definiteness of the global
stiffness matrix which may cause the convergence problem. Instead, the following approximation is used
σ n1
 1  wn1  L
ε n1
Damage Evolution
The damage evolution is defined as a piece-wise function as follow;
 0 ˆ  ˆ 0

G ˆ   w_max ˆ  ˆ  ˆ
0 1
w

 w_max ˆ  ˆ n

Two variations are implemented in the program, Bilinear Damage Evolution and 3-Piecewise Linear
Damage Evolution.
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry
a
G ˆ   b
ˆ
1 a
a ; b
1 1
 ˆ 0
ˆ1 ˆ 0
Input Parameters
1.  0 : stress at damage initiation

2.  1 : strain to failure
3.  _0C : stress at damage initiation - compression
4.  1_ C : strain to failure - compression
State Variables
1-6.  ij : total strain

7-12. ij : eigenstrain (inelastic strain)
13. Tension/Compression ID
14. w : damage state variable

15. r : equivalent strain
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

State Variables


Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

State Variables


Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry
 0 ˆ  ˆ 0

 A / ˆ  B   w_max ˆ  ˆ  ˆ
0 1
w  G ˆ   
 C / ˆ  D   w_max ˆ  ˆ  ˆ
1 2
 w_max ˆ  ˆ 2

1
A
1
E 1 ; B   A / ˆ ;
0
C
1   A / ˆ  B  ;
1
D   A / ˆ1  B   C / ˆ1
1/ ˆ1  1/ ˆ 0 1/ ˆ 2  1/ ˆ1
Input Parameters

2.  1 : ultimate stress
3.  1 : strain at ultimate stress
6.  1_ C : ultimate stress - compression
7.  1_ C : strain at ultimate stress - compression
8.  _2C : strain to failure - compression
State Variables


Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry
Input Parameters

State Variables


Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

State Variables


Orthotropic Damage Laws
This Section outlines the formulation and numerical implementation of the orthotropic continuum
damage model.
General Formulation and Implementation
The orthotropic damage law degrades the stiffness of the material by three damage variables (w1, w2,
w3) which are aligned with a local material coordinate system (MCS) of three orthogonal axes. The MCS
is computed differently depending on the elastic symmetry type as follows in Box 3;
Box 3 Definition of MCS axis directions for Orthotropic Damage Model
Elastic Symmetry Type MCS 1-direction (w1) MCS 2-direction (w2) MCS 3-direction (w3)
Orthotropic Axis corresponding to E1 Axis corresponding to E2 Axis corresponding to E3
Transverse isotropic Axis corresponding to Ea 1st direction in the Direction orthogonal to

transverse plane to sustain MCS 1-directions and 2-
damage direction
Isotropic 1st direction in 3D space 1st direction in the plane Direction orthogonal to
to sustain damage perpendicular to MCS 1- MCS 1-direction and 2-
direction to sustain direction
damage
For orthotropic elastic symmetry, the MCS is predefined by the elastic modulus orthotropic axis. For
transversely isotropic elastic symmetry, only the axial direction of the MCS is predefined. For isotropic
elastic symmetry, none of the MCS directions are predefined. This permits the orthotropic damage model
to give an accurate account of the directional nature of the material stiffness degradation arising from
aligned micro-cracks without the need to consider more than three damage variables. It is important to
note that models with isotropic and transversely isotropic elastic symmetry may have a different MCS at
each gauss point within a macro simulation model. The MCS orientation matrices are stored as history
variables for these models. The stiffness in the global coordinate system is computed as follows;
Constitutive law defined in Global Coordinate System (GCS);
 ij  Lijkl kl
where Lijkl is the damaged stiffness in the GCS.
In order to find the damaged stiffness in the GCS, the following steps are needed;
1. Construct undamaged stiffness in local material coordinates system (MCS) denoted by prime
0

Lijkl
2. Calculate the damaged stiffness in the MCS
𝐿′𝑖𝑗𝑘𝑙 = 𝑊𝑖𝑗𝑚𝑛
′ ′
𝑊𝑘𝑙𝑝𝑞 0 ′
𝐿𝑚𝑛𝑝𝑞
 is the fourth order damage tensor, which depends on the damage variables w1, w2,
Where Wijkl
and w3
3. Transform the damaged stiffness in the MCS back to the GCS

Lijkl  aima jn akp alq Lmnpq
where;
aij  cos  x j , xj  is defined the transformation from the MCS to the GCS.
In contrast to the isotropic continuum damage model, which considers a norm of the principal strain
vector, the orthotropic continuum damage model evolves damage in a two-step process. In the first step,
the principal strain vectors are computed and modified depending on their orientation and the
appropriate compression and shear factors. In the second step, damage is evolved by requiring that all
three modified principal strain vectors lie within an ellipsoidal surface. The damage evolution is
summarized in Box 4 below;
Box 4 General Formulation for Orthotropic Damage Model
1. Elastic stress-strain relationship in the GCS
𝜎𝑖𝑗 = 𝐿𝑖𝑗𝑘𝑙 𝜀𝑘𝑙
2. Principal strain vector

𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑇
𝜀𝑖 = [𝜀𝑖1 𝜀𝑖2 𝜀𝑖3 ] , 𝑖 = 1, 2, 3
3. Modified Principal strain vector

𝑝∗ 𝑝
𝜀𝑖 = 𝑓(𝜀𝑖 , 𝐶1 , 𝐶2 , 𝐶3 , 𝐷1 , 𝐷2 , 𝐷3 )
4. Damage criterion
𝑝 2 𝑝 2 𝑝 2
𝑝 𝜀 𝜀 𝜀
𝑔𝑖 (𝜀𝑖 , 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 ) = ( 𝑟𝑖1 ) + ( 𝑟𝑖2 ) + ( 𝑟𝑖3 ) − 1 ≤ 0, 𝑖 = 1, 2, 3
1 2 3
5. Damage evolution
𝑝
𝑤̇𝑖 = 𝛾𝑖 𝐻(𝜀𝑖 )
𝑟̇𝑖 = 𝛾𝑖
6. Kuhn-Tucker complementarity conditions

𝑝 𝑝
𝛾𝑖 ≥ 0, 𝑔𝑖 (𝜀𝑖 , 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 ) ≤ 0, 𝛾𝑖 𝑔𝑖 (𝜀𝑖 , 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 ) = 0 (𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑛 𝑖)
7. Consistency condition
𝑝 𝑝
𝛾𝑖 𝑔̇ 𝑖 (𝜀𝑖 , 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 ) = 0 (𝑖𝑓 𝑔𝑖 (𝜀𝑖 , 𝑟1 , 𝑟2 , 𝑟3 ) = 0, 𝑛𝑜 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑛 𝑖)
Compression (C) and Shear (D) Factors
The compression factor is introduced to account for differences between tension and compression. The
physical interpretation of the compression factor is the same for the orthotropic and isotropic damage
laws. Shear factors are introduced to modify the shape of the ellipsoidal damage surface for strains that
are not aligned with any of the material axes. The shear factors must all be less than 1, and a shear factor
of 0 (default value) results in an unmodified ellipsoidal damage surface. Shear factors that are less than
0 will lead to higher strain to failure than the unmodified ellipsoidal damage surface for off-axis loading
which shear factors that are greater than 0 will have the opposite effect.
Damage Evolution
The damage evolution is defined as a piece-wise function as follows:

𝑝
0 𝜀𝑖 ≤ 𝜀𝑖0
𝑝 0 1 𝑝
𝑤𝑖 = 𝐺(𝜀𝑖 )𝑤_ max 𝜀𝑖 ≤ 𝜀𝑖 ≤ 𝜀𝑖
…
𝑝
{ 𝑤_ max 𝜀𝑖 ≥ 𝜀𝑖𝑛
Two variations are implemented in the program, Bilinear Damage Evolution and 3-Piecewise Linear
Damage Evolution.
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

5. D: shear factor
State Variables
1-6.  ij : total strain in LCS

14-16. w# : damage state variable in LCS
17-19.
d
 i : radii of damage surface in LCS
20. Flag for local orientation
21-29. Local orientation matrix
30-32. Damage radius vector 1
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters
1. 10 : stress at damage initiation in axial direction

2. 11 : strain to failure in axial direction
3.  20 : stress at damage initiation in transverse direction
4.  21 : strain to failure in transverse direction
5. D12: shear factor in axial direction
6. D23: shear factor in transverse direction
One curve for each Direction (a-axial or 1-direction) and (t-transverse or 2,3-direction)
State Variables

17-19.
d
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters
1-3.  i0 : stress at damage initiation in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3
4-6.  i1 : strain to failure in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3

7-9. Di: shear factor in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3
One curve for each Direction (1-direction) (2-direction), and (3-direction)
State Variables

17-19.
d
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

9. D: shear factor
State Variables

17-19.
d
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry
Input Parameters

2.  11 : ultimate stress in axial direction
3. 11 : strain at ultimate in axial direction
6.  21 : ultimate stress in transverse direction
7.  21 : strain at ultimate stress in transverse direction
One curve for each Direction (a-axial or 1-direction) and (t-transverse or 2,3-direction)
State Variables

17-19.
d
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters
4-6.  i1 : ultimate stress in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3
7-9.  i1 : strain at ultimate stress in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3

One curve for each Direction (1-direction) (2-direction), and (3-direction)
State Variables

17-19.
d
Fiber Damage Laws
This section outlines the formulation and numerical implementation of the isotropic continuum damage
model for fiber.
Multiscale Designer provides a set of damage laws which capture the in-situ behavior of fiber materials.
Under idealized conditions, fiber failure can be modeled with a shear strain or von Mises strain condition.
Under realistic conditions inside composite materials, the shear limit can not be attained under axial
loading. In tension, brittle failures, often aided by material imperfections, intervene and cause fracture
before the shear limit is reached.
In compression, fiber instability is the intervening failure mode. Fiber instability is a complex process that
involves interactions between local matrix failure in the immediate vicinity of the fiber which can
accelerate fiber buckling. A schematic illustration of the intersecting damage surfaces for plane loading
conditions is shown below.
Figure 57: Intersecting damage surfaces for plane loading conditions
The Multiscale Designer fiber model employs two damage surfaces which intersect one another. The shear
surface uses the von Mises strain as the effective strain and two-piece damage evolution. In practice, this
mode only controls the composite strength under transverse compression, since matrix failures dominate
in transverse tension, and axial fiber model dominate under axial loading.
The second damage surface is an asymmetric axial damage surface, which uses the axial strain as the
effective strain. In tension, failure is brittle and a two-piece evolution is used. Compressive failure can
exhibit nonlinearity before final failure, and the damage evolution follows a smooth curve that is
controlled by a shape parameter.
The fiber damage model is available for isotropic, transverse isotropic, and orthotropic elastic symmetries.
Fiber Damage > Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters
1.  0 : axial stress at damage initiation - tension

2.  1 : axial strain to failure - tension
3.  _0C : axial stress at damage initiation - compression
4.  1_ C : axial maximum stress - compression
5.  1_ C : axial strain at maximum stress - compression
6.  _2C : axial strain to failure - compression
7.  _ C : damage evolution shape parameter - compression
8.  _0 S : J2 strain at damage initiation - shear
9.  1_ S : J2 strain to failure - shear
State Variables


Fiber Damage > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

2.  1 : axial strain to failure – tension
State Variables


Fiber Damage > Orthotropic Symmetry

Input Parameters

2.  1 : axial strain to failure – tension
State Variables


Plasticity Laws
Rate-independent Plasticity
Classical rate-independent plasticity is implemented with combined nonlinear kinematic and isotropic
hardening. Here we directly give the parameter list and related hardening laws followed by examples.
Please see reference [5,6] for detailed formulation.
Formulation for the hardening law
Shared evolution law
h     K  K0  1  exp     H 
Isotropic hardening
K    K0   h     0,1
Kinematic hardening
H    1    h     0,1
General formulation for the stress update
1. Database
ijp n , ij n , n
2. Given strain field
 ij n1   ij n   ij

3. Compute trial state
1
ij  n1   ij  n1   kk  n1 ij
3

sijtri n1  2 ij  n1 ijp n 
ijtri n1  sijtri n1  ij n
ξtri n1  ijtri n1ijtri n1
 ijtri n1   kk  n1ij  sijtrin1
4. Check yield condition (hardening law see above block)
ftrin1 : ξtri
 n 1 
2
3
 
K  n 
tri
IF f n1  0 THEN
ijp n1  ijp n ; ij n1  ij n ; ij n1  ij n
 ij n1   ijtri n1
Cijkl n1  Lijkl  n1
ELSE
Solve g     0 (Consistency condition see [5], hardening law see above block), then
2 ij n1 tri
 n1   n   ; nij  n1  tri ; ijp n1  ijp n   nij  n1

3 ξ n1
ij n1  ij n 

2
3

H  n1   n  nij n1
 
 ij n1   ijtri n1  2 nij n1
 1 
Cijkl  n1   ij kl  2 A  Iijkl   ij kl   2 Anij n1 nkl  n1
 3 
2 1
where A  1  ;A  1  A
ξ tri
 n 1
1
 K  n1  H n1 
3
END IF
To account for pressure sensitivity of the yield point in polymers, our plasticity model includes a linear
and a quadratic term for pressure sensitivity in the yield surface. There are two associated parameters 𝛽1
and 𝛽2 for the linear and quadratic terms respectively. The linear term by itself is typically satisfactory for
small superimposed volumetric strains, and typical values for polymers are 0.1-0.2. The matrix phase in a
carbon fiber-polymer matrix composite is highly constrained and may experience moderate volumetric
strains. In this case the linear term may not be sufficient by itself and the model can be supplemented
with the quadratic term. For polymers, the quadratic term is typically small in magnitude and negative in
sign, indicating that the linear model overpredicts pressure sensitivity in compression and underpredicts
it in tension.
Input parameters
1. y (K0): Yield strength

2. 1 (K1): Ultimate strength
3.  : Exponent for the evolution law
4. H: Linear term for the hardening law
5.  : Balance factor for kinematic and isotropic hardening
6. : Linear term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
7. : Quadratic term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
8. p0: Equivalent plastic strain at which damage begins
9. p1: Equivalent plastic strain at which damage causes zero stress
10. w_max: Maximum allowable damage
State variables

13. Tension/Compression mode flag
14-19. ijp : deviatoric plastic strain
20-25. ij : defines the center of the von Mises yield surface in stress deviator space
26.  : equivalent plastic strain that defines isotropic hardening of the von Mises yield
surface
Four examples are shown below for perfect plasticity, linear isotropic hardening, exponential
isotropic hardening and linear kinematic hardening. For each example, the material parameters
are summarized in the Tables and the corresponding stress-strain curves for one full cyclic loading
are illustrated.
1. Perfect plasticity
Material Parameters for Perfect Plasticity
E (MPa)  y (MPa) 1 (MPa)  H 
70. 0.2 0.243 0.243 0. 0. 1.
Perfect Plasticity
3.00E-01
2.00E-01
1.00E-01
stress (MPa)
0.00E+00
-1.50% -1.00% -0.50% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50%
-1.00E-01
-2.00E-01
-3.00E-01
strain
Stress-strain curve for perfect plasticity
2. Linear isotropic hardening
Material Parameters for Isotropic Hardening (Linear)
E (MPa)  y (MPa) 1 (MPa)  H 
70. 0.2 0.243 0.243 0. 10. 1.
Isotropic Hardening (Linear)
4.00E-01
3.00E-01
2.00E-01
1.00E-01
stress (MPa)
0.00E+00
-1.50% -1.00% -0.50% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50%
-1.00E-01
-2.00E-01
-3.00E-01
-4.00E-01
-5.00E-01
strain
Stress-strain curve for linear isotropic hardening
3. Exponential isotropic hardening
Material Parameters for Isotropic Hardening (Exponential)
E (MPa)  y (MPa) 1 (MPa)  H 
70. 0.2 0.243 0.343 1000. 0. 1.
Isotropic Hardening (Exponential)
4.00E-01
3.00E-01
2.00E-01
1.00E-01
stress (MPa)
0.00E+00
-1.50% -1.00% -0.50% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50%
-1.00E-01
-2.00E-01
-3.00E-01
-4.00E-01
strain
Stress-strain curve for exponential isotropic hardening
4. Linear kinematic hardening
Material Parameters for Kinematic Hardening (Linear)
E (MPa)  y (MPa) 1 (MPa)  H 
70. 0.2 0.243 0.243 0. 10. 0.
Kinematic Hardening (Linear)
4.00E-01
3.00E-01
2.00E-01
1.00E-01
stress (MPa)
0.00E+00
-1.50% -1.00% -0.50% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50%
-1.00E-01
-2.00E-01
-3.00E-01
-4.00E-01
strain
Stress-strain curve for linear kinematic hardening
Rate-dependent Plasticity
The Rate-dependent Plasticity Law is mainly used for polymer. The dependence between strain rate and
yield stress in polymers is roughly logarithmic, and polymers will show meaningful rate effects as loading
rates vary within the quasi-static regime. Polymer rate effects can be especially pronounced in matrix
dominated modes in composite materials, where the strain rate in polymer can be as much as three times
greater than the nominal strain rate in the composite. Multiscale Designer provides a rate and
temperature dependent model based on the double kink theory of Argon, which is an empirical model for
the yield behavior of polymers. The strain hardening formulation is identical to the rate independent
model, but rate and temperature dependence is introduced through a flow rule.
Formulation for the hardening law
h     K  K0  1  exp      H 
Isotropic hardening
K    K0   h     0,1
Kinematic hardening
H    1    h     0,1
1. Database
ijp n , ij n ,  n
 ij n1   ij n   ij

3. Compute trial state
1
ij  n1   ij  n1   kk  n1 ij
3

sijtri n1  2 ij  n1 ijp n 
 ijtri n1   kk  n1ij  sijtri n1
4. Solve the consistency condition (hardening law see above block)

𝑚
𝐴 2 ‖𝜉(𝑛+1) ‖
𝛾̇𝑝 = 𝛾̇ 0 𝑒𝑥𝑝 [− 𝑇 {√3 𝐾(𝛼) + 𝛽1 𝑝 + 𝛽2 𝑝2 } (1 − { 2
} )]
√ 𝐾(𝛼)+𝛽1 𝑝+𝛽2 𝑝2
3
The parameter A accounts for the dependence of yield on the absolute temperature T. Temperature
dependence can be deactivated, in which case the term A/T is absorbed into a single parameter. The
parameters m and 𝛾̇ 0 control the rate dependence.
it in tension.
Input parameters

8. γ: Reference Strain Rate
9. m: Strain hardening exponent
10. f: Flag for whether temperature dependence is used
11.  Temperature dependence factor (ignored if tflag is 0)

State variables

surface
Gurson Plasticity
The Gurson model is for capturing progressive void nucleation, growth, and coalescence. There are two
primary scalar history variables of interest, the void volume fraction f (similar to the damage parameter)
and the equivalent plastic strain.
There are some key differences between the Gurson model and the combined damage and plasticity
model (referred to as the hybrid model hereafter), even though both account for plasticity and damage.
The hybrid model captures both plasticity and damage, but the two behaviors are decoupled in the sense
that plasticity does not directly cause damage and vice versa. This leads to a simple formulation that can
capture the behavior of thermosets in confined environments like a fibrous composite. In contrast
plasticity and damage are fully coupled in the Gurson model, which leads to a more complex formulation
with more parameters but allows us to capture stable/progressive damage accumulation.
Phenomenologically, this is more consistent with the behavior of polymer matrix materials in a chopped
fiber composite and thermoplastic polymers.
Compared to classical plasticity, the Gurson model contains two key differences
1. The yield surface has J1 dependence

2. Evolution of plasticity increases the void volume fraction f
The evolution of f depends on two sources: nucleation of new voids and growth of existing voids. Growth
of existing voids is J1 dependent so that voids grow faster when the material is subjected to volumetric
tension. An additional component of the model is that after a critical value of f, growth of f accelerates to
model void coalescence
The Gurson yield surface is defined as

𝑞 2 3𝛽2 𝑝
𝑔 = ( ) + 2𝛽1 𝑓𝑐𝑜𝑠ℎ ( ) − 1 − (𝛽1 𝑓)2 = 0
𝜎̅ 2𝜎̅
Where p and q are the first and second stress invariants respectively. The 𝛽 parameters are related to the
pressure sensitivity of the material’s inelastic response. The void volume fraction (or the damage
parameter) is f, whose evolution is defined by
𝑓̇ = 𝑓𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ
̇ ̇
+ 𝑓𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
These two components represent the contributions due to growth of existing voids and nucleation of new
voids. The growth portion is driven by the plastic dilatation 𝜖̇𝑝
̇
𝑓𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑡ℎ = (1 − 𝑓)𝜖̇𝑝
The nucleation rate is a functions of plastic strain, and reaches its peak at plastic strain epsn. Two other
parameters are introduced to control nucleation as follows.
2
𝑓𝑛 1 𝜖̅𝑝 − 𝜖𝑛
̇
𝑓𝑛𝑢𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝑒𝑥𝑝 [− ( ) ] 𝜖̇ 𝑝
𝑠𝑛 √2𝜋 2 𝑠𝑛
To account for the rapid accumulation of damage due to void coalescence, we use an adjusted damage
parameter as follows
𝑓 𝑖𝑓 𝑓 < 𝑓𝑐
𝑓 ∗ (𝑓)
={ 1 ⁄ 𝛽1 − 𝑓𝑐
𝑓𝑐 + (𝑓 − 𝑓𝑐 ) 𝑖𝑓 𝑓 > 𝑓𝑐
𝑓𝑓 − 𝑓𝑐
Where 𝑓𝑐 is the critical damage level where coalescence begins.
Note, for most polymer application the initial void volume fraction 𝑓0 should be set to zero unless there
is good reason for the analyst to consider an initially voided matrix due to manufacturing effects.
Input Parameters
1. y: Yield stress

2. 1: Ultimate stress
3. δ: Exponent for hardening evolution
4. H: Linear hardening term
5. f0: Initial void fraction
6. fc: Critical void fraction
7. f1: Void fraction at full damage
8. 1: Linear term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
9. 2: Quadratic term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
10. N: Flag for void nucleation term
11. fn: Volume fraction of nucleating voids
12. sn: standard deviation of the strain of void nucleation
13. psn: average strain of void nucleation
State variables

20. λ: Plastic rate parameter

21. w: Damage state variable
22.  : equivalent plastic strain that defines isotropic hardening of vonMises yield surface
23. s: equivalent stress
Damage and Plasticity Laws
Isotropic Damage and Plasticity

Highly cross-linked polymers, such as epoxies, exhibit low strain to failure under loading which causes
dilatation (change in volume without change in shape), but can sustain very large strain to failure under
loading which causes distortion (change in shape without change in volume). These types of materials
can be modeled by combining the isotropic damage model with the rate independent plasticity model
driven by volumetric strain (J1).
Formulation for the damage evolution
Elastic stress-strain relationship

𝑝
𝜎𝑖𝑗 = (1 − 𝑤)𝐿𝑖𝑗𝑘𝑙 (𝜀𝑘𝑙 − 𝜀𝑘𝑙 )
Scalar equivalent strain or the Volumetric strain (J1)
𝜀̂ = 𝜀11 + 𝜀22 + 𝜀33
Damage criterion
g ˆ, r  : ˆ  r  0
Damage evolution
w   H ˆ 
r 
Kuhn-Tucker complementarity conditions
  0, g ˆ, r   0,  g ˆ, r   0
Consistency condition
 g ˆ, r   0 if g ˆ, r   0
Formulation for the plastic hardening law
h     K  K0  1  exp     H 
Isotropic hardening
K    K0   h     0,1
Kinematic hardening
H    1    h     0,1
1. Database
ijp n , ij n , n

 ij n1   ij n   ij
3. Update damage variable w (see above block)
4. Compute damaged bulk and shear modulus

𝜇 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜇0 , 𝜅 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜅0
5. Compute trail state
1
ij  n1   ij  n1   kk  n1 ij
3

sijtri n1  2 ij  n1 ijp n 
6. Check yield condition
 n 1 
2
3
 
K  n 
tri
 ij n1   ijtri n1
ELSE

3 ξ n1
ij n1  ij n 

2
3

H  n1   n  nij n1
 
 ij n1   ijtri n1  2 nij n1
 1 
 3 
2 1
where A  1  ;A  1  A
ξ tri
 n 1
1
 K n1  H n1 
3
END IF
it in tension.
Input parameters
1. y: Yield strength
2. 1: Ultimate strength

3. : Exponent for the evolution law
5. : Balance factor for kinematic and isotropic hardening
7. 2: Quadratic term for increate in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
10. mean: Mean stress at damage initiation = (1 + 2 + 3)/3
11. J1: Volumetric strain to failure = (1 + 2 + 3)
12. C: Compression factor
State variables

surface
27. J1: Volumetric Strain
Orthotropic Damage and Plasticity

driven by volumetric strain (J1). The orthotropic variant of this model is nearly identical to the isotropic
variant, except for that it accounts for the crack direction by using a damage vector as opposed to a
damage scalar. While this leads to a more complex model, the orthotropic variant can model the residual
strength in composites with matrix cracks better than the isotropic variant.
Note, for both the orthotropic and isotropic variants of this model, the material is initially isotropic in the
elastic region. The orthotropic accounts for the orthotropy is introduced into the material by the
directional nature of the stiffness lost during cracking.

𝑝
𝜀̂ = 𝜀11 + 𝜀22 + 𝜀33

Damage criterion
g ˆ, r  : ˆ  r  0
Damage evolution
w   H ˆ 
r 
  0, g ˆ, r   0,  g ˆ, r   0
 g ˆ, r   0 if g ˆ, r   0
h     K  K0  1  exp     H 
Isotropic hardening
K    K0   h     0,1
Kinematic hardening
H    1    h     0,1
1. Database
ijp n , ij n , n

 ij n1   ij n   ij

𝜇 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜇0 , 𝜅 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜅0
1
ij  n1   ij  n1   kk  n1 ij
3

sijtri n1  2 ij  n1 ijp n 
6. Check yield condition
 n 1 
2
3
 
K  n 
tri
 ij n1   ijtri n1
ELSE

3 ξ n1
ij n1  ij n 

2
3  
H  n1   n  nij n1
 
 ij n1   ijtri n1  2 nij n1
 1 
 3 
2 1
where A  1  ;A  1  A
ξ tri
 n 1
1
 K n1  H n1 
3
END IF
it in tension.
Input parameters

State variables

surface
28-30. w: Damage state variables, direction 1 is the axial (fiber) direction, 2 is transverse, 3 is
through thickness
Isotropic Damage and Rate-dependent Plasticity

driven by volumetric strain (J1).

𝑝
𝜀̂ = 𝜀11 + 𝜀22 + 𝜀33

Damage criterion
g ˆ, r  : ˆ  r  0
Damage evolution
w   H ˆ 
r 
  0, g ˆ, r   0,  g ˆ, r   0
 g ˆ, r   0 if g ˆ, r   0
h     K  K0  1  exp      H 
Isotropic hardening
K    K0   h     0,1
Kinematic hardening
H    1    h     0,1
1. Database
ijp n , ij n ,  n

 ij n1   ij n   ij

𝜇 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜇0 , 𝜅 = (1 − 𝑤)𝜅0
1
ij  n1   ij  n1   kk  n1 ij
3

sijtri n1  2 ij  n1 ijp n 
 ijtri n1   kk  n1ij  sijtri n1
6. Solve the consistency condition (hardening law see above block)

𝑚
𝐴 2 ‖𝜉(𝑛+1) ‖
𝛾̇𝑝 = 𝛾̇ 0 𝑒𝑥𝑝 − {√ 𝐾(𝛼) + 𝛽1 𝑝 + 𝛽2 𝑝2 } 1 −
𝑇 3
√2 2
[ ( { 3 𝐾(𝛼) + 𝛽1 𝑝 + 𝛽2 𝑝 } )]
The parameter A accounts for the dependence of yield on the absolute temperature T. Temperature
dependence can be deactivated, in which case the term A/T is absorbed into a single parameter. The
parameters m and 𝛾̇ 0 control the rate dependence.
it in tension.
Input parameters

State variables

surface
Viscoplasticity Laws
Viscoplasticity Based on Overstress (VBO)

The viscoplasticity based on overstress (VBO) model was originally developed by Krempl and co-workers
for modeling rate dependent response of metals and polymers [7]. The framework was derived from the
standard linear solid model (SLS), which is a combination of the classical Maxwell and Kelvin models and
is capable of predicting both creep and relaxation. A typical SLS model has the following constitutive
relation
   Es
 
Ef Ef k
where Ef and Es denote the Young’s Modulus for extremely fast and slow loading conditions which
provide the upper and lower bounds for the stress-strain curves with different loading rates.
For creep, the stress rate is equal to zero and the creep response is
 0  Es

Ef k
For relaxation, the strain rate is equal to zero and the stress relaxation is
  Es 0
 
k
where the subscript zero indicates that the subscripted quantity is kept constant. For constant viscosity,
the above first order linear ordinary differential equations give rise to the exponential form of the solution
where the strain creep and stress relaxation are terminated when the equilibrium stress g  Es is
reached after infinite time.
Many modifications of the SLS model have been proposed to account for plasticity of real materials. First,
the viscosity coefficient is set to be a function of overstress k  f   g  , which allows the overstress to
depend on strain rate nonlinearity. The power law and exponential law have been used for the evolution
of k . Second, the equilibrium stress could be a nonlinear function of strain g   which has the
appearance of a stress-strain curve and the evolution can be constructed to consider proper plastic
behavior. In the next section, three-dimensional formulation of VBO is presented.
General Constitutive Relation
The basic assumption of the model is that the rate of deformation (or rate of strain for small deformation
problems)  ij can be additively decomposed into elastic and inelastic parts, which gives
 ij   ijel   ijin
The corresponding deviatoric expression is given as
ij  ijel  ijin

Where;
1
ij   ij   ij kk
3
The inelastic part of strain is assumed to be volume preserving, thus the inelastic strain rate is deviatoric
ijin   ijin
The rate form of stress-strain relation is given as
 ij  Lijkl klel  Lijkl  kl   klin 
For isotropic materials the constitutive tensor reduces to
Lijkl   ij kl   ik jl   il jk

sij  2ijel  2 ij ijin 
Where;
1
sij   ij   ij kk
3
Overstress and Evolution of Inelastic Strain
To evaluate the evolution of the inelastic strain, the concept of overstress is introduced. The overstress
deviator is given as;
oij  sij  gij
where gij is defined as the equilibrium stress deviator. The scalar invariant of overstress deviator (or
equivalent overstress) is defined as;
3
 oij oij
2
and the normalized tensor of overstress deviator is given as;
3 oij
nij 
2 
With the introduction of overstress, the inelastic strain rate is given as;
3 in
ijin   nij
2
where 
in
is the equivalent inelastic strain rate defined as;

 in 
Ek   
where E is Young's modulus; k is a positive and decreasing function of the equivalent overstress  and
acts as a repository for nonlinear viscous behavior. An exponential form is given as;
 k3
 
k  k1 1  
 k2 
where k1 , k2 and k3 are model parameters.
With the definition of the inelastic strain rate, the rate form of stress-strain relation can be rewritten as
 ij  Lijkl kl  6 in nij

sij  2ij  6 in nij
Evolution of Equilibrium Stress
The evolution equation of the equilibrium stress deviator gij is assumed to be of the following form
 o   gij  fij     
gij   sij  ij    1   fij
E

k k A   E 
where  is the positive shape function which models the transition from quasi-linear elastic behavior to
inelastic flow. An exponential form is given as
  a1   a2  a1  ea3
A is the isotropic stress introduced to model the cyclic hardening or softening behavior. The evolution
form is given as
A  Ac  Af  A in
with the initial condition
A  t  0  A0
where Ac , Af and A0 are model parameters.
fij is the kinematic stress introduced to model the working hardening. The evolution of the kinematic
stress is given as
fij  Etijin
with Et defined as
2 Et
Et 
3 1  Et E 
where Et is the terminating slope of the uniaxial stress/strain curve at maximum strain of interest. With
all the terms explained, the three-dimensional formulation of VBO model is completed.
Input Parameters
1. Et : Tangent modulus
2. a1 : Shape function parameter 1
5. k1 : Viscous function parameter 1
8. A0 : Isotropic stress parameter 0
9. Ac : Isotropic stress parameter c
10. Af : Isotropic stress parameter f
State Variables
1-6.  ij : total stress
7-12. sij : deviatoric stress
13-18. gij : equilibrium stress
19-24. fij : kinematic stress
25. A : isotropic stress


14-19.  ij : total stress
20-25. sij : deviatoric stress
26-31. gij : equilibrium stress
32-37. fij : kinematic stress

38. A : isotropic stress
Several tests for polymer PMR-15 at 288 ºC conducted in [8] are simulated and the simulation results are
compared with experimental data. The material parameters used for examples are summarized in Table
7. Figure 58 shows the comparison between experimental and predicted stress-strain curves obtained for
monotonic loading at constant strain rates of 10-6, 10-5, 10-4 and 10-3 s-1. Figure 59 shows the comparison
between experimental and predicted stress-strain curves for loading and unloading test at constant strain
rates of 10-6 and 10-3 s-1. Figure 60 shows the comparison between experimental and predicted stress-
strain curves for relaxation (12h) on loading test at constant strain rates of 10-6 and 10-5 s-1. Figure 61
shows the comparison between experimental and predicted stress-strain curves for strain rate jump test
at sequential strain rates of 10-3, 10-5 and 10-3 s-1.
Table 7 Material Parameters of VBO Model
E (MPa) v Et (GPa) a1 a2 a3 k1 k2 k3 A0 Ac Af
2100. 0.36 0.018 1e2 1e3 4.8e-3 1e4 35 12 20 0 0
Monotonic Loading
50
1e-3 exp1
45 1e-3 exp2
40 1e-3 sim
1e-4 exp1
35
1e-4 exp2
Stress (MPa)
30 1e-4 sim
25 1e-5 exp1
1e-5 exp2
20
1e-5 sim
15 1e-6 exp
1e-6 sim
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Strain (% )
Figure 58: Comparison for monotonic loading test at four different strain rates
Loading/Unloading
50
45
40
35
Stress (MPa)
30 1e-3 exp
1e-3 sim
25
1e-6 exp
20 1e-6 sim
15
10
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
Strain (%)
Figure 59: Comparison for loading and unloading test at two different strain rates
Relaxation On Loading
40
35
30
Stress (MPa)
25
20
1e-5 exp
15 1e-5 sim
1e-6 exp
10 1e-6 sim
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Strain (%)
Figure 60: Comparison for relaxation on loading test at two different strain rate
Strain Rate Jump Test
60
50
40
Stress (MPa)
30
20
exp
sim
10
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Strain (%)
Figure 61: Comparison for strain rate jump test
None (Keep Elastic)
Input Parameters
1. None
State Variables

Macro Simulations
The following nonlinear material characterizations can be performed by specifying one of more of the
following built-in Macro Simulation Models to perform (all in displacement control);
1. Unnotched Tension/Compression (UNT/C)

2. Load/Unload
3. 3-pt Bending
4. 4-pt Bending
5. Open Hole Tension/Compression (OHT/C)
6. Rail Shear
7. Dogbone
Unnotched Tension/Compression (UNT/C)
An unnotched tension/compression (UNT/C) test conforming to ASTM D3039, D3518, and D6641 is
available in Nonlinear Material Characterization. The macro-model coordinate system is as follows;
X-axis = specimen in-plane loading direction (applied displacement)

Y-axis = specimen in-plane transverse direction
Z-axis = specimen through-thickness direction and laminate stacking direction
The stress is computed by extracting the reaction force due to the applied displacement divided by the x-
axis face area. The stress vs strain curve and all phase strains are output in the comma separated results
file [UserDir]\[ModelName]\Mechanical\ModelName_NLSim_#.csv which can be opened in Excel to
obtain xy plots. In addition, the model file ModelName_NLSim_#.fem and results file
ModelName_NLSim_#.hwascii can be opened in HyperMesh and HyperView to obtain contour plot
results.
Input parameters
1. Test Time (s): The mechanical step time for the test, default to 1.0. The Strain Rate can be
produced from Test Time and Maximum Strain. If indeed the Test Time is set equal to 1.0, the
viscous stabilization damping parameter defaults to 1.0e-4 * 1 sec = 1.0e-4. This default
viscous stabilization damping parameter, for a 1 sec mechanical time step, has been observed
to be a robust value for the general class of problems. Loading rate is always a positive
number for both tension and compression tests.
2. Maximum Strain: The maximum strain the test could reach. The maximum strain is a positive
value for tension and negative value for compression tests.
3. Delta Temperature: The delta temperature is defined as the test temperature minus the
stress-free temperature of the material (commonly assumed to be very close to the cure
temperature of the material).
4. Minimum Thermal Increments: The minimum number of increments for the thermal load
step, which is performed before the mechanical load step. Adaptive time stepping is
automatically performed within this step. The value entered sets the initial time step as the
thermal step time (defaults to 1sec) divided by the minimum thermal increments. Unless
adaptive time stepping decrease the time step, the initial time step will continue for each
thermal increment. Thus, the minimum number of thermal increments will be the value
entered. Simply set the minimum thermal increments to 0 if thermal analysis is not required.
5. Minimum Mechanical Increments:
For forward homogenization, the minimum number of increments for the mechanical load
step. Adaptive time stepping is automatically performed within this step. The value entered
sets the initial time step as the mechanical step time divided by the minimum mechanical
increments. Unless adaptive time stepping decrease the time step, the initial time step will
continue for each mechanical increment. Thus, the minimum number of mechanical
increments will be the value entered.
For inverse characterization, the minimum number of increments (default = 20) defines the
number of equally spaced experimental data points extracted from the stress vs. strain
curve of the specified test. The experimental data points should be given at equally spaced
strains from 0 to the maximum strain. Only the stress values are entered as the strains are
calculated for each data point. The starting point (0.0, 0.0) is not included or counted.
Example UNT/C Multiscale Simulation of Single Ply (Layup ID = 0)
Example UNT/C Multiscale Simulation of Laminate (Layup ID = #)
Load/Unload
An unnotched tension/compression (UNT/C) test conforming to ASTM D3039, D3518, and D6641 is
available in Nonlinear Materia Characterization step. The macro-model coordinate system is as follows;
X-axis = specimen in-plane loading direction

Y-axis = specimen in-plane transverse direction
Z-axis = specimen through-thickness direction and laminate stacking direction
The stress is computed by extracting the reaction force due to the applied displacement divided by the x-
axis face area. The stress vs strain curve and all phase strains are output in the comma separated results
file [UserDir]\[ModelName]\Mechanical\ModelName_NLSim_#.csv which can be opened in Excel to
obtain xy plots. In addition, the model file ModelName_NLSim_#.fem and results file
results.
Input parameters
Example Load/Unload Multiscale Simulation of Single Ply (Layup ID = 0)
Example Load/Unload Multiscale Simulation of Laminate (Layup ID = #)
3-Pt Bending
A 3-pt bending test conforming to ASTM D2344 and D7264 is available in Linear and Nonlinear Material
Characterization steps. The macro-model coordinate system is as follows;
X-axis = Beam span direction

Y-axis = Beam width direction
Z-axis = Beam loading and laminate stacking direction
The load is applied using multi-point constraint displacement control. This technique enforces an average
displacement across a loading line at the center span of the beam, and is an efficient and accurate
approximation to contact boundary conditions. The load vs. displacement curve is computed by
extracting the vertical reaction force along the loading line, and the displacement at the center width and
span on the underside of the beam (ASTM D7264-15:11.6).
The load vs displacement curve and all phase strains are output in the comma separated results file
[UserDir]\[ModelName]\Mechanical\ModelName_NLSim_#.csv which can be opened in Excel to obtain
xy plots. In addition, the model file ModelName_NLSim_#.fem and results file
results.
Input parameters – Linear Material Characterization Step
For Linear Material Characterization step, the model uses a laminated shell formulation with a structured
mesh. The flexural stiffness is computed along with the flexural modulus as defined in ASTM D7264-
15:13.7.
1. Beam Width: Width of beam

2. Beam Span: Distance between support points
3. Mesh Size 1: Average element size
Input parameters – Nonlinear Material Characterization Step
For Nonlinear Material Characterization step, the model uses a solid element formulation. If a laminate
is specified and the number of layers is four or greater, then there is one layer of elements per laminate
layer meshed through the beam thicken
ss. Otherwise, the mesh is generated such that there are 4 element layers through the thickness.

3. Mesh Size 1: Average element size for entire beam
4. Test Time (s): The mechanical step time for the test, default to 1.0. The Deflection Rate can
be produced from Test Time and Maximum Strain. If indeed the Test Time is set equal to 1.0,
the viscous stabilization damping parameter defaults to 1.0e-4 * 1 sec = 1.0e-4. This default
to be a robust value for the general class of problems. Deflection rate is always a positive
5. Maximum Deflection: The maximum deflection the test could reach. The maximum
deflection is a positive value for bending tests.
Layup Type = Injection Molding – Mapped Input Support
The 3-pt Bending specimen supports Laminates of Layup Type = Injection Molding – Mapped Input for
which the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed in a molding simulation or CT scan.
The fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the user supplied manufacturing mesh
to the structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The user supplied manufacturing mesh
must be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the mapping to work properly. If the
two meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does not have the option to change the
alignment of the Multiscale Designer structural mesh, so the user is responsible for aligning the
manufacturing mesh accordingly. The origin and coordinate directions for this test are shown above.
Example 3-pt Bending Multiscale Simulation
4-Pt Bending
A 4-pt bending test conforming to ASTM D6272 is available in Linear and Nonlinear Mateiral
X-axis = Beam span direction

Y-axis = Beam width direction
Z-axis = Beam loading and laminate stacking direction
The load is applied using multi point constraint displacement control. This technique enforces an average
displacement across each of two loading lines at the loading locations on the beam, and is an efficient and
accurate approximation to contact boundary conditions. Load vs. displacement curve is computed by
extracting the vertical reaction force along the loading lines, and the displacement at the center width
and span on the underside of the beam (ASTM D6272-10:10.1.6).
results.
mesh. The flexural stiffness is computed along with the flexural modulus as defined in ASTM D6272-
10:12.8.

3. Load Span: Distance between loading points
layer meshed through the beam thickness. Otherwise, the mesh is generated such that there are 4
element layers through the thickness.

3. Load span: Distance between loading points
4. Mesh Size 1: Average element size for entire beam
calculated for each data point. The starting point (0.0, 0.0) is not included or counted.\
The 4-pt Bending specimen supports Laminates of Layup Type = Injection Molding – Mapped Input for
which the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed in a molding simulation or CT scan.
The fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the user supplied manufacturing mesh
to the structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The user supplied manufacturing mesh
must be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the mapping to work properly. If the
two meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does not have the option to change the
Example 4-pt Bending Multiscale Simulation
Open Hole Tension/Compression (OHT/C)
An open hole tension/compression test conforming to ASTM D5766 and D6484. The macro-model
coordinate system is as follows;
X-axis = Loading direction

Y-axis = Width direction
Z-axis = Thickness and laminate stacking direction
The load is applied using displacement control. The load vs. displacement curve is computed by extracting
the X-direction reaction force along the loaded surface edge, and the displacement at the same location.
results.
mesh.
1. Width: Width of the specimen

2. Length: Length of the specimen between the grips
3. Radius: Radius of the hole
4. Mesh Size 1: Number of nodes per edge
1. Width: Width of the specimen

2. Length: Length of the specimen between the grips
3. Radius: Radius of the hole
The open hole tension/compression (OHT/C) specimen supports Laminates of Layup Type = Injection
Molding – Mapped Input for which the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed in a
molding simulation or CT scan. The fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the user
supplied manufacturing mesh to the structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The user
supplied manufacturing mesh must be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the
mapping to work properly. If the two meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does
not have the option to change the alignment of the Multiscale Designer structural mesh, so the user is
responsible for aligning the manufacturing mesh accordingly. The origin and coordinate directions for this
test are shown above.
Example OHT/C Multiscale Simulation
Rail Shear
A notched rail shear test conforming to ASTM D7078 is available in Linear and Nonlinear Material
X-axis = Width direction

Y-axis = Height and loading direction
Z-axis = Thickness and laminate stacking direction
The load is applied using displacement control. All lateral and rotational motion of the gage section is
restrained, which may not accurately reflect compliances which exist in the rail shear test fixture. Due to
this, the vertical displacement of the model should not be compared to the displacements in a physical
test. The output is therefore the shear stress vs. shear strain curve, which is extracted from the model by
computing the vertical reaction force and normal strains at +- 45 degreed in the center of the gage section.
The shear stress vs shear strain curve and all phase strains are output in the comma separated results file
results.
For Linear Material Characterization step, the model uses a laminated shell formulation with an
unstructured mesh. The rail shear modulus is computed according to ASTM D7078/D7078M-12:13.
1. Height: Height of specimen

2. Radius: Radius of specimen V-Notch
3. D2: Remainder distance (D2 = (Height – D1)/2.0), D1 is Distance between the V-Notches
For Nonlinear Material Characterizaiton step, the model uses a solid element formulation. If a laminate
1. Height: Height of specimen (ASTM standard dimension 2.20in [56.0mm])

2. Radius: Radius of specimen (ASTM standard dimension 0.05in [1.3mm])
3. D2: Remainder distance (D2 = (Height – D1)/2.0) (ASTM standard dimension 0.5in [12.5mm])
The rail shear specimen supports Laminates of Layup Type = Injection Molding – Mapped Input for which
the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed in a molding simulation or CT scan. The
fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the user supplied manufacturing mesh to the
structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The user supplied manufacturing mesh must
be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the mapping to work properly. If the two
meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does not have the option to change the
Example Rail Shear Multiscale Simulation
Dogbone
A Dogbone tension/compression test conforming to ASTM D638 is available in Nonlinear Material

Characterization step. The macro-model coordinate system is as follows;
X-axis = Loading direction

Y-axis = Width direction
Z-axis = Thickness direction
The load is applied using displacement control. The stress vs. gage strain curve is computed by extracting
the X-direction reaction force along the loaded surface edge, and the relative displacement of the top and
bottom of the gage section.
The stress vs strain curve and all phase strains are output in the comma separated results file
results.
For Nonlinear Material Characterization step, the model uses a solid element formulation.
1. Distance between grips (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 4.5in [115.0mm])
2. Length of narrow section (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 2.25in [57.0mm])
3. Length of gage (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 2.0in [50.0mm])
4. Width of narrow section (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 0.5in [13.0mm])
5. Overall width (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 0.75in [19.0mm])
6. Radius: Radius of fillet (ASTM standard dimension for a Type I specimen 3.0in [76.0mm])
The dogbone specimen supports Laminates of Layup Type = Injection Molding – Mapped Input for which
the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed in a molding simulation or CT scan. The
fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the user supplied manufacturing mesh to the
structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The user supplied manufacturing mesh must
be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the mapping to work properly. If the two
meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does not have the option to change the
Example Dogbone Multiscale Simulation
Solution Control
Viscous Stabilization
Multiscale Designer utilizes a suite of continuum damage models to predict the behavior of the
constituents (fiber and matrix) within composite materials. During implicit analysis, these damage models
perform stiffness degradation which can result in divergence of the Newton iterations within the macro
finite element solver. To counter this undesirable divergence behavior, Multiscale Designer use a Duvaut-
Lions type of viscous regularization. This regularization is given by the following expression:
1
𝑑̇𝑣 = (𝑑 − 𝑑𝑣 )
𝜇
µis a viscosity parameter with unit of seconds representing the relaxation time of the regularized system.
dv is the regularized viscous damage and d is the damage evaluated as if the viscous regularization was
unregularized. Decreasing the value of µ decreases regularization and, in the limit, approaches the
unregularized response. The recommended value for the damping parameter is 1.0e-5 times the total
loading time for a monotonic loading analysis. The macro finite element solver should be set to allow
the incremental time steps to decrease to several orders of magnitude smaller than the value of µ if
necessary for convergence. For Multiscale Designer’s isotropic damage law, this regularization is applied
directly to the single damage parameter, and for Multiscale Designer’s orthotropic damage law, this
regularization is applied to all of the damage scalars simultaneously. The same viscosity parameter is used
for all damage laws for all multiscale materials within a single implicit analysis.
Thermal Analysis
Thermal analysis may be defined for all macro simulation models which use multiscale material models
that have coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values supplied in Linear Material Characterization step.
If thermal analysis is defined, then Multiscale Designer will apply the thermal load in the first step with
the mechanical load and fixed temperature applied in the second step. In the thermal load step, the delta
temperature specified for the macro simulation model is applied uniformly over the number of specified
thermal increments. Since large thermal loads can lead to material nonlinearity, the thermal loading step
performs is an implicit nonlinear step just as the mechanical loading step. If temperature effects are to
be neglected, simply set the minimum thermal increments and/or delta temperature to zero.
Laminate Support
Like Linear Material Characterization Step, Multiscale Designer also provides the laminate functionality in
Nonlinear Material Characterization Step as shown in Figure 62. For all laminate layup types, the macro
homogenized properties for the forward homogenization or inverse characterization are defined with
respect to the homogenized laminate rather than the homogenized unit cell. General and Injection
Molding laminates can be used in both Forward Homogenization and Inverse Characterization processes.
General laminates are typically used for continuous fiber reinforced production forms, such as
Unidirectional and Weaves. Injection Molding laminates are typically used for short/long fiber reinforced
product forms which have random and/or aligned reinforcement directions commonly characterized by
fiber orientation tensors obtained from a molding simulation or a CT scan. Both general laminate and
injection molding laminate are supported to define symmetric or uniform ply thickness plies conveniently.
Figure 62: Nonlinear Material Characterization – Laminates
A general laminate consists of a stack of plies (unit cell layers) generated in Unit Cell Model Definition
Step. The stack direction is the unit cell z-direction. Each ply must specify a thickness and a material
orientation defined with respect to the unit cell x-axis about the unit cell z-axis using right hand rule as
shown in Figure 63. General laminate layups must be symmetric. Currently Non-symmetric general
laminate layups are not supported. All plies in the general laminate layup must be specified. The material
orientation angle can also be used for a single ply (unit cell layer) to obtain off-axis homogenized unit cell
properties. Note, multiple laminate layups with different unit cell layers (plies) can be defined.
Figure 63: Fibrous Unit Cell Material Orientation System Definitions with Laminate Orientation Angle
An injection molding laminate layup consists of a stack of plies (unit cell layers) generated in Unit Cell
Model Definition Step with an additional “n” slices per ply as shown in Figure 64. Each slice within a ply
has an orientation and weight defined by the probability distribution function contained within the fiber
orientation tensor for that layer. All “n” slices for a given ply are summed up to define the overall
properties for that ply accounting for the fiber orientation tensor data appropriately. Then the ply
properties are transformed by the given ply angle to arrive at the final ply properties. This process is
repeated for each ply defined in the injection molding laminate layup definition. Once all ply properties
are defined, the homogenized properties of the entire laminate can be determined as in the General
Laminate procedure. The fiber orientation tensor results are given in a system defined by the molding
simulation and/or CT scan. All injection molding laminate ply angles must be entered relative to the
molding simulation and/or CT scan fiber orientation tensor results system.
Figure 64: Injection Molding Laminate Orientation Angle and Fiber Orientation Tensor Definitions
Several of the macro simulation model specimens additionally support Laminates of Layup Type =
Injection Molding – Mapped Input for which the fiber orientation tensor results have been prior computed
in a molding simulation or CT scan. The fiber orientation tensors will be automatically mapped from the
user supplied manufacturing mesh to the structural mesh which is generated by Multiscale Designer. The
user supplied manufacturing mesh must be aligned with the Multiscale Designer structural mesh for the
mapping to work properly. If the two meshes are misaligned the mapping will fail. Note, the user does
not have the option to change the alignment of the Multiscale Designer structural mesh, so the user is
responsible for aligning the manufacturing mesh accordingly. The origin and coordinate directions for this
test are shown above.
To associate a laminate with a macro simulation, for either a forward homogenization or an inverse
characterization, enter the laminate Layup ID of the Macro Simulation Model as shown in Figure 65.
Unlike in Linear Material Characterization Step, where we have one-to-one relation between macro
properties and laminate layups, within a nonlinear material characterization one laminate layup can be
associated with multiple simulations using the same associated layup ID within the simulation definition.
An associate layup ID of 0 refers to the unit cell itself. The associate layup ID within a simulation definition
provides significant flexibility for the calibration process and allows users to simultaneously calibrate
micro properties based on macro tests with different test types (simulations), different laminate layups,
different loading directions, different loading rates, and any combination of the above.
Figure 65: Nonlinear Material Characterization Step Laminate Association to the Macro Simulation
The results of the nonlinear material characterization with the laminate option are in the results files
ModelName_NLmatl.dat and ModelName_NLSim_#.csv which contain the micro phase and nonlinear
simulation results respectively. Click Excel… button to view the Results Data Excel window. The
SimName_Data sheets display the contents of ModelName_NLSim_#.csv which contains the simulation
stress vs. strain curve results as also shown in Figure 66.
Figure 66: Nonlinear Material Characterization – Simulation - Results
In the inverse characterization process, we are solving a nonlinear least squares problem with side
constraints to minimize the difference between a set of given experimental values and simulation results.
In the case of a nonlinear characterization the given set of experimental values are equally space stress
vs. strain data points measured from a given experiment.
We have the following mathematical inverse optimization problem to solve;
minn F  x  2  minn y  f  x  2 , y  R m , x  R n , f : R n  R m , m  n
2 2
xR xR
li  x  ui , i  1,..., n, l , u  R n
The following inverse characterization control parameters can be entered within the Calibration Control
frame of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Linear Material Characterization window for the Trust
Region algorithm as shown in Figure 67.
1. Function Tolerance stop criteria
F  x  2  func _ tol
2. Jacobian Tolerance stop criteria
J  x 1:m, j   jac _ tol , j  1,..., n

2
3. Maximum Number of Iterations which the optimization algorithm can execute

4. Initial Step Bound is a positive input variable used to determine the initial step bound. The initial
step bound should lie within the interval (0.1,100.0). The recommended value is 100.0.
Note, the Ant Colony algorithm can be used as an alternative to the Trust Region algorithm for inverse
characterization problems where the trust region algorithm has difficulty converging. The Trust Region
algorithm typically converges for linear characterization problems. The Ant Colony algorithm typically
converges for nonlinear characterization problems.
Figure 67: Calibration Control Inverse Optimization Problem Input Parameters
To perform an inverse characterization problem both active parameters (variables which can be changed)
and objectives (responses which are trying to be achieved within tolerance bounds) must be defined. For
each active parameter, the initial value, lower bound, and upper bound must be specified as shown in
Figure 68. Active parameter linking can be achieved by defining constraints between two active
parameters within the Constraints section of the Inverse Characterization tab of the Nonlinear Material
Characterization window.
Figure 68: Defining Active Parameters (Design Variables) for Inverse Characterization
The objective of an inverse characterization is to determine the micro-phase nonlinear properties which
would produce the macro simulation response of the unit cell (or laminate layup) within a specified
tolerance from experimentally measured stress vs. strain curve data values. Objectives for an inverse
characterization are defined in the Macro Experimental Data frame of the Inverse Characterization tab
of the Nonlinear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 69. The experimental data set
input in the list is assumed to be defined on equal strain grid points. Therefore, you only need to enter
the stress data points (Y values) as the strain data points (X values) are automatically calculated to be
equal spacing from zero to the Maximum Strain entered given the Minimum Mechanical Increments
points. To easily enter stress data points at equally spaced strains, Multiscale Designer provides a feature
to import data with non-uniform spacing, i.e. from typical stress vs. strain measured experimental data,
by clicking the Import Exp. Data… button and select a data file (*.dat). The data file should have the
following format;
0.0, 0.0
X1, Y1
X2, Y2
Xn, Yn
The data file should always start with (0.0, 0.0). However, in the GUI, (0.0, 0.0) is not entered and is
automatically assumed as the 0th data point. Values (X, Y) can be separated by comma, space, or tab and
the number of data pairs is arbitrary. Once you select the data file, the non-uniform (X, Y) dataset is
automatically interpolated to equally spaced strains and the corresponding stress values are automatically
entered in the stress data list. Remember, in the GUI, (0.0, 0.0) is not entered and is automatically
assumed as the 0th data point. Before importing experimental data, users should select the Minimum
Mechanical Increments points to use. Multiscale Designer defaults to 20 points, and typically that is
sufficient.
Note, for any given inverse characterization, the total number of active parameters should be less than or
equal to the number of objective (target) macro homogenized properties. The Multiscale Designer GUI
checks this condition for all inverse optimizations (characterizations) problems and will error out if not
satisfied. Typically, this is not an issue for nonlinear material characterizations using the inverse
characterization approach, as there are (default) 20 experimental data points as objectives, therefore
there can be up to 20 active parameters, of which there are typically less.
Figure 69: Objective Macro Parameter Setting for Inverse Characterization
The stop criteria IDs, displayed within a Linear or Nonlinear Material Characterization Step inverse
characterization backend program result window are given below;
1. Indicates that the algorithm has exceeded the maximum number of iterations
2. Indicated the trust-region area  is too small
3. Indicates that F  x  2  func _ tol

4. Indicates that the Jacobian matrix is singular
5. Indicates that the trial step s is too small
6. Indicates that F  x  2  F  x   J  x  s 2  1.0e16
Note that for inverse characterization, it is a good practice to check if the optimization problem indeed
converged, i.e. the experimental and simulation loading curves are close to each other. If not, check the
backend program screen as shown in Figure 70 to identify the problem. You can track the L2 and L
norms of the objective function.
Figure 70: Nonlinear Material Characterization Backend Program Output for Inverse Characterization
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry
Possible Active Parameters

3.  _C
0
: stress at damage initiation - compression
4.  1_ C : strain to failure – compression
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

3.  _C
0
Isotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

3.  _C
0
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry

5.  _C
0
: stress at damage initiation – compression
6.  1_C : ultimate stress – compression
7.  1_ C : strain at ultimate stress – compression
8.  _2C : strain to failure – compression
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

5.  _C
0
Isotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

5.  _C
0
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry

3.  _C
0
4.  1_ C : stress at damage initiation – compression
5. D: shear factor
Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

Orthotropic Damage > Bilinear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry

Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Isotropic Symmetry

5.  _C
0
9. D: shear factor
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

2. 11 : ultimate stress in axial direction
3. 11 : strain at ultimate in axial direction
6.  21 : ultimate stress in transverse direction
7.  21 : strain at ultimate stress in transverse direction
Orthotropic Damage > 3-Piecewise Linear Evolution > Orthotropic Symmetry
4-6.  i1 : ultimate stress in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3
7-9.  i1 : strain at ultimate stress in each phase material orientation axis; i=1-3

Fiber Damage > Isotropic Symmetry

Fiber Damage > Transversely Isotropic Symmetry

Fiber Damage > Orthotropic Symmetry

Rate-independent Plasticity

Rate-dependent Plasticity

Gurson Plasticity
1. y: Yield stress

2. 1: Ultimate stress
3. δ: Exponent for hardening evolution
4. H: Linear hardening term
5. f0: Initial void fraction
6. fc: Critical void fraction
7. f1: Void fraction at full damage
8. 1: Linear term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
9. 2: Quadratic term for increase in yield strength based on the volumetric strain (J1)
10. N: Flag for void nucleation term
11. fn: Volume fraction of nucleating voids
12. sn: standard deviation of the strain of void nucleation
13. psn: average strain of void nucleation
Isotropic Damage and Plasticity

Orthotropic Damage and Plasticity

Isotropic Damage and Rate-dependent Plasticity

Viscoplasticity
1. Et : Tangent modulus
8. A0 : Isotropic stress parameter 0
9. Ac : Isotropic stress parameter c
10. Af : Isotropic stress parameter f
Macro Solver Interfaces
The architecture of the macro solver interface capability of Multiscale Designer is shown in Figure 71.
Multiscale Designer can be linked with various commercial macro solver products via user defined
material subroutine capabilities exposed by each commercial macro solver product. Throughout a
nonlinear multiscale analysis, information from the multiscale material model development stage is used
to solve the unit cell reduced order model and to update the state variables for each micro-phase at each
macro solver element gauss point. Currently, Multiscale Designer provides macro solver interfaces to
OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus/Standard, Abaqus/Explicit, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, and Nastran. For each macro
solver interface, Multiscale Designer provides a GUI for helping users setup the macro solver environment,
prepare the macro solver input files, submit the macro solver job, and review the macro solver results
within the micro-phases. Users can access each macro solver GUI by clicking on the corresponding button
within the Multiscale Designer main window Solver Interface tab as shown in Figure 72.
Figure 71: The Architecture for Macro Analysis Stage
Figure 72: Macro Solver Interface GUI
Homogenized Linear Material Export

In Linear Material Characterization step, the macro linear materials are homogenized for multiscale
analysis. The homogenized results are in the results files ModelName_Lmatl_macro(_C).dat, and
ModelName_Lmatl_Layup#(_C).dat. For the mechanical macro materials, solver interfaces are available
to export these results, including OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS, LS-DYNA, MSC.Nastran, and
NX.Nastran.
OptiStruct Interface
The OptiStruct Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 73. All the macro materials
are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are MAT2
(anisotropic elasticity for 2D elements), MAT8 (orthotropic elasticity for 2D elements), MAT9 (anisotropic
elasticity for solid elements), and MAT9ORT (orthotropic elasticity for solid elements). The Mat ID can be
set to other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.fem files will be generated in the output folder.
Users can copy the material data in *.fem files to Optistrcut input files to run a macro simulation.
Figure 73: OptiStruct Interface for Homogenized Materials
RADIOSS Interface
The RADIOSS Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 74. All the macro materials
are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are LAW12
(orthotropic law for solid elements), and LAW25 (orthotropic law for shell elements). The Mat ID can be
set to other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.rad files will be generated in the output folder. Users
can copy the material data in *.rad files to RADIOSS input files to run a macro simulation.
Figure 74: RADIOSS Interface for Homogenized Materials
Abaqus Interface
The Abaqus Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 75. All the macro materials
are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are
ANISOTROPIC (anisotropic elasticity), ORTHOTROPIC (orthotropic elasticity), ENGINEERING (orthotropic
elasticity with moduli), and LAMINA (orthotropic elasticity for plane stress). The Mat ID can be set to
other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.inp files will be generated in the output folder. Users can
copy the material data in *.inp files to Abaqus input files to run a macro simulation.
Figure 75: Abaqus Interface for Homogenized Materials
ANSYS Interface
The ANSYS Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 76. All the macro materials are
listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are ANISOTROPIC
(anisotropic elasticity), and ORTHOTROPIC (orthotropic elasticity). The Mat ID can be set to other number.
Click Exporting… button, and *.MP files will be generated in the output folder. Users can import the
material property *.MP files in ANSYS APDL GUI to run a macro simulation.
Figure 76: ANSYS Interface for Homogenized Materials
LS-DYNA Interface
The LS-DYNA Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 77. All the macro materials
are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are
ANISOTROPIC (anisotropic elasticity), and ORTHOTROPIC (orthotropic elasticity). The Mat ID can be set
to other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.k files will be generated in the output folder. Users can
copy the material data in *.k files to Abaqus input files to run a macro simulation.
Figure 77: LS-DYNA Interface for Homogenized Materials
MSC.Nastran Interface
The MSC.Nastran Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 78. All the macro
materials are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are
MAT2 (anisotropic elasticity for 2D elements), MAT8 (orthotropic elasticity for shell elements), MAT9
(anisotropic elasticity for solid elements), and MATORT (orthotropic elasticity for solid elements). The
Mat ID can be set to other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.bdf files will be generated in the
output folder. Users can copy the material data in *.bdf files to MSC.Nastran input files to run a macro
simulation.
Figure 78: MSC.Nastran Interface for Homogenized Materials
NX.Nastran Interface
The NX.Nastran Interface for export Homogenized Materials is shown in Figure 79. All the macro materials
are listed in the table, and users can select any required one. The exported material types are MAT2
(anisotropic elasticity for 2D elements), MAT8 (orthotropic elasticity for shell elements), MAT9
(anisotropic elasticity for solid elements), and MAT11 (orthotropic elasticity for solid elements). The Mat
ID can be set to other number. Click Exporting… button, and *.dat files will be generated in the output
folder. Users can copy the material data in *.dat files to NX.Nastran input files to run a macro simulation.
Figure 79: NX.Nastran Interface for Homogenized Materials
OptiStruct Interface
Supported Versions
OptiStruct v2017.2 and later versions (64-bit versions)
Operating System: Win64, Linux64
Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
To run an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer simulation on Windows, complete the following steps;
1. Create a homogeneous model

2. Validate the homogeneous model
3. Create Multiscale Designer material model files
4. Create a Multiscale Designer model
5. Solve the Multiscale Designer model
6. Post-process the Multiscale Designer model
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\optistruct\
Step 1: Create a homogeneous model

Using a pre-processor of choice, like Altair HyperMesh®, develop an initial homogeneous model
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.fem for the desired simulation. Name all materials, MAT(#), and
ensure the material ID is also (#), where # is 1-4 and corresponds to the number of the multiscale material
models needed for the desired simulation. It is initially suggested to develop an initial solid element
(CHEXA, CTETRA, CPENTA) homogeneous model with 3D orthotropic material properties (MAT9ORT) to
ensure the initial homogeneous OptiStruct model is working as intended. NOTE, only solid elements are
currently supported in OptiStruct with user materials. In addition, only Nonlinear Quasi Static with
Geometric Nonlinear Solution Sequences are supported (ANALYSIS NLSTAT, NLPARM(LGDISP)).
Ultimately, in the steps that follow, the initial homogeneous material data blocks will be replaced with
appropriate user defined Multiscale Designer multiscale material data blocks. If everything is working as
intended, a simple switch of the initial homogeneous material data blocks for the user defined Multiscale
Designer multiscale material data blocks should ensure a successful multiscale simulation with the
Multiscale Designer OptiStruct plugin. Ensure to note the simulation folder you saved your homogeneous
model into, hereafter referred to as [ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous.fem.
Step 2: Validate the homogeneous model

To submit an OptiStruct job; select Windows Start Menu > Altair HyperWorks v# > OptiStruct v# to
bring up the HyperWorks Solver Run Manager window. Select the OptiStruct input file
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.fem, enter options -optskip and -nt = [number of processors],
and click Run to submit the OptiStruct homogeneous simulation. Validate that the results are as
expected by post-processing [ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.h3d in HyperView.
Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer material data files

Within the Multiscale Designer Main Window, Macro Solver Integration frame, click the OptiStruct
Interface button to bring up the OptiStruct Interface window as shown in Figure 80.
Figure 80: OptiStruct Interface GUI Window
Perform the following steps to create the multiscale material model data files;
1. Set the number of Multiscale Material Models to be used in the multiscale simulation. Tabs named
MAT(#), where (#) goes from 1 to the number of material models you defined, are displayed for
each multiscale material model.
Enter the following data for each multiscale material model;
a. The location of the Multiscale Designer Material File
[UserDir]\[ModelName] \Mechanical\ModelName_mdsMAT(#).dat
b. The number of User Defined Variables. The number of user defined variables associated with the
assigned damage laws to each phase is automatically calculated once material file is located. Click
List… to view the list of user defined variables for each phase assigned damage law. In addition,
user can associate fiber orientation tensor file (*.h5) with the corresponding injection molding
material by selecting Injection Molding and point to the fiber orientation tersor file.
c. The output folder for the Multiscale Designer Material Files.
2. Click Export … For each Multiscale Designer material model, the necessary Multiscale Designer
material data files
a. mdsMAT (#).dat
b. OptiStruct_plugin_data.fem
will be copied to the specified output folder.
Step 4: Create a Multiscale Designer model

To create the Multiscale Designer model;
1. Copy the original homogeneous model file [ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.fem to

[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.fem.
2. Open in a text editor both ModelName_multiscale.fem and OptiStruct_plugin_data.fem
3. Copy ASSIGN and MATMDS definitions for each multiscale material model from
OptiStruct_plugin_data.fem and replace with the MAT9ORT definitions of same MID in the Bulk
Data Section of ModelName_multiscale.fem
The required bulk data for a user defined multiscale material are described in detail below.
Figure 81: OptiStruct Keywords
OptiStruct ASSIGN card for MATMDS
There should be ASSIGN card for each multiscale material defined in the I/O Options Section of the
OptiStruct model file;
ASSIGN,MATMDS,MDS(#),mdsMAT(#).dat
OptiStruct MATMDS card
Each multiscale material model should be defined in the Bulk Data Section of the OptiStruct model file;
$--1---|---2---|---3---|---4---|---5---|---6---|---7---|---8---|---9---|--10---|
MATMDS 1 MDS1
Step 5: Solve the Multiscale Designer model

All required Multiscale Designer OptiStruct model files should be in the [ModelDir] folder including;
1. ModelName_multiscale.fem
2. mdsMAT(#).dat (one for each material)
To submit an OptiStruct job; select from the Windows Start Menu > Altair HyperWorks v# > OptiStruct
v# to bring up the HyperWorks Solver Run Manager window. Select the OptiStruct input file
ModelName_multiscale.fem, enter Options -optskip and -nt = [number of processors], and click Run to
submit an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer simulation.
Step 6: Post-process the multiscale model

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the OptiStruct multiscale
simulation can be visualized by opening the [ModelDir]\ModeName_multiscale.h3d results file in the
post-processor and plotting (contour plot or other) the output state variables for each micro-phase for
each time increment. Each output state variable can be cross referenced with its actual name by clicking
List… in the OptiStruct Interface window within each Multiscale Material Model tab.
Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64
To run an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer simulation on Linux, complete the following steps;
1. Complete steps 1-4 in Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64

2. Copy the Multiscale Designer model files to the Linux machine
3. Solve the Multiscale Designer model on the Linux machine
4. Copy results files back to the Windows machine
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\optistruct\
Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Runing an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
After completing step 1-4 on Windows, all required OptiStruct Multiscale Designer model files should be
in the [ModelDir] folder on the local Windows machine including;
Step 2: Copy the Multiscale Designer model files to the Linux machine
Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy all Multiscale Designer model
files on the local Windows machine to the [ModelDir] on the Linux machine.
Step 3: Solve the Multiscale Designer model on the Linux machine

Use the following command to launch an OptiStruct multiscale simulation on the Linux machine.
[HWInstallDir]/scripts/optistruct [ModelName]_multicale.fem
-optskip -nt #
Step 4: Copy results files back to the Windows machine

Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy all OptiStruct results files,
ModelName_multiscale.h3d, from the Linux machine [ModelDir] folder to the local Windows machine
[ModelDir] folder. This is only necessary if you are going to post-process the results on your local Windows
machine. Otherwise, if you are going to post-process on your Linux machine, there is no need to copy the
results files back to the local Windows machine.
Step 6: Post-process the Multiscale Designer model

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the OptiStruct Multiscale Designer
post-processor and plotting (contour plot or other) the output user defined variables for each micro-phase
for each time increment. Each output user defined variable can be cross referenced with its actual name
by clicking List… in the OptiStruct Interface window within each Multiscale Material Model tab.
RADIOSS Interface
Supported Versions
RADIOSS v14.0 and later versions (64-bit versions)
Running a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
To run a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer simulation on Windows, complete the following steps;

3. Create Multiscale Designer material model files
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\radioss\

Using a pre-processor of choice, like Altair HyperMesh®, develop a complete RADIOSS engine file
(*_0000.rad) and starter file (*_0001.rad) for the desired simulation. Name all materials, material(#),
where (#) is 1-9 and corresponds to the number of the multiscale material models needed for the
desired simulation. It is initially suggested to develop a completely working RADIOSS model with elastic
orthotropic material properties for solid elements (/MAT/LAW12 (3D_COMP) with /PROP/TYPE6
(SOL_ORTH)) and for shell elements (/MAT/LAW25 (COMPSH) with /PROP/TYPE17 (STACK) and
/PROP/TYPE19 (PLY)) to ensure the RADIOSS model is working as intended. Ultimately, in the steps
below, the initial material data blocks will be replaced with appropriate user defined multiscale material
data blocks required. However, if everything is working as intended, a simple switch of the initial
material data blocks for the user defined Multiscale Designer material data blocks should ensure a
successful Multiscale Designer material simulation with the Multiscale Designer RADIOSS plugin. Note
the simulation folder you saved your homogeneous starter and engine files into, hereafter referred to as
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous_0000.rad and [ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous_0001.rad
respectively.

To submit a RADIOSS job; select from the Windows Start Menu > Altair HyperWorks v# > RADIOSS v# to
bring up the HyperWorks Solver Run Manager window. Select the RADIOSS input file
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous_0000.rad, enter option -nt = [number of processors], and click
Run to submit a RADIOSS homogeneous simulation. Validate that the results are accurate to
expectation by post-processing [ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.h3d in HyperView.
Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer material model files

Within the Multiscale Designer Main Window, Macro Solver Integration frame, click the RADIOSS
Interface button to bring up the RADIOSS Interface window as shown in Figure 82.
Figure 82: RADIOSS Interface GUI Window
Perform the following steps to create the Multiscale Designer material model data files;
1. Set the number of Multiscale Material Models to be used in the Multiscale Designer simulation.
Currently RADIOSS supports up to 9 Multiscale Designer material models within a RADIOSS
multiscale simulation. Tabs named MAT(#), where (#) goes from 1 to the number of material
models you defined, are displayed for each Multiscale Designer material model.
Enter the following data for each Multiscale Designer material model;
a. The location of the Multiscale Designer Material Data File
[UserDir]\[ModelName]\Mechanical\ModelName_mdsMAT.dat
b. The number of State Variables. Click Compute to automatically calculate and enter the number
of user defined state variables.
c. Select the State Variable to Output by clicking Select… to view the list of state variables for each
phase assigned damage law. The default output request USR# automatically outputs all state
variables for all phases.
d. Set the Layers to Output, if the model contains shell elements.
e. Set the Homogenized Density of the material used to calculate the initial speed of sound.
f. The output folder for the Multiscale Designer Material Files.
3. Click Export … For each Multiscale Designer material model, the necessary Multiscale Designer
material data files
c. mdsMAT(#).dat
d. NMAT.dat (if there is more than one material)
e. Radioss_plugin_data.rad
will be copied to the specified output folder.

1. Copy the original homogeneous starter and engine model files

[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous_0000.rad
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous_0001.rad
to
[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale_0000.rad
[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale_0001.rad
respectively
2. Open in a text editor all three files below;
ModelName_multiscale_0000.rad
ModelName_multiscale_0001.rad
Radioss_plugin_data.rad
3. Copy /MAT/USER01/# definitions for each Multiscale Designer material model from
Radioss_plugin_data.rad and replace with the /MAT/LAW# definitions of same MID in the starter
model file ModelName_multiscale_0000.rad
4. Copy /ANIM/BRICK and /ANIM/SHELL definitions as required from Radioss_plugin_data.rad and
append to the engine model file ModelName_multiscale_0001.rad
The required block data for a user defined Multiscale Designer material are described in detail below.
Figure 83: RADIOSS Keywords
RADIOSS starter block data (*_0000.rad)
Each user defined Multiscale Designer material model should be defined in RADIOSS as follows;
/MAT/USER01/ID
material#
density
nstatev
max_stiffness USR#1 min_USR#1 max_USR#1 USR#2 min_USR#2 max_USR#2 flag
The material name must be set as material(#) (where (#)=1-9). nstatev is set to the required number of
state variables. The element deletion criteria are specified with six scalar values AFTER the max_stiffness
value. The first three values work in together, the first value is a state variable number, and the second
value is a minimum limit value for that state variable number, and the third value is a maximum limit value
for that state variable number. When the state variable exceeds the minimum or maximum limit value,
the element is marked for deletion. The next three values function in an identical fashion to the previous
three values allowing for an additional state variable criteria. The final value is a flag that determines if
the element deleted deletion criteria is activated (flag = 1) due to the first criteria OR the second criteria
being met, or (flag = 0) the first criteria AND the second criteria being met. With this framework, we can
specify many different criteria including strain-based criteria, plastic work criteria, damage scalar criteria,
etc… Any available state variable for any phase material law can be used to specify element deletion.
RADIOSS engine output state variables (*_0001.rad)
The nonlinear evolution for each micro-phase can be examined by post-processing the state variables
(USR#).
1. For solid elements the output state variables for post-processing should be requested as;
/ANIM/BRICK/USR#
2. For shell elements the output state variable for post-processing should be requested as;
/ANIM/SHELL/USR#/x, where x is the layer number

All required Multiscale Designer RADIOSS model files should be in the [ModelDir] folder including;
1. ModelName_multiscale_0000.rad
3. NMAT.dat
To submit a RADIOSS job; select Windows Start Menu > Altair HyperWorks v# > RADIOSS v# to bring up
the HyperWorks Solver Run Manager window. Select the RADIOSS engine file
[ModelName]_multiscale_0000.rad, enter option -nt = [number of processors], and click Run to submit
a RADIOSS multiscale simulation.

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the RADIOSS Multiscale Designer
job can be reviewed by opening the [ModelName]_multiscale.h3d results file in the post-processor and
plotting (contour plot or other) the output state variables (USR#) for each micro-phase for each time step.
Running a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64
To run a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer simulation on Linux, complete the following steps;
1. Complete steps 1-4 in Running a RADIOSS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64

3. Create an Environment Variable
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\radioss\
Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
After completing step 1-4 on Windows, all required OptiStruct Multiscale Designer model files should be
in the [ModelDir] folder on the local Windows machine including;
3. NMAT.dat
Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy all multiscale model files on
the local Windows machine to the [ModelDir] on the Linux machine.
3. NMAT.dat
Step 3: Create an Environment Variable

For RADIOSS to locate the Multiscale Designer RADIOSS user library, an environment variable needs to be
created on the Linux machine. Setting an environment variable is different for different shells on Linux.
However, for the bash shell, enter the following command at the command prompt or within the user
.bashrc file.
Export RAD_USERLIB_LIBPATH=[InstallDir]/plugins/radioss
Where [InstallDir] is the directory where Multiscale Designer is installed on the Linux machine.

Use the following command to launch a RADIOSS multiscale simulation on the Linux machine.
[HWInstallDir]/scripts/radioss [ModelName]_multicale_0000.rad
-nt #

Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy all RADIOSS results files,
ModelName_multiscale.h3d, from the Linux machine [ModelDir] folder to the local Windows machine

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the RADIOSS Multiscale Designer
post-processor and plotting (contour plot or other) the output user defined variables (MATUSR # UDV#).
Each output user defined variable (MATUSR # UDV #) can be cross referenced with its actual name by
clicking List… in the OptiStruct Interface window within each Multiscale Material Model tab.
Abaqus Interface
Supported Versions
Abaqus/Standard and Abaqus/Explicit: 2018, 2019
Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
To run an OptiStruct Multiscale Designer simulation on Windows, complete the following steps;

3. Create the Multiscale Designer material model files
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\abaqus\

Using a pre-processor of choice, like Altair HyperMesh®, develop a complete Abaqus model (*.inp) for the
desired simulation. Name all materials (*MATERIAL, NAME=MAT(#)), where (#) is 1-9 and corresponds
to the number of the multiscale material models needed for the desired simulation. It is initially suggested
to develop a completely working Abaqus model with elastic isotropic material properties (*ELASTIC,
TYPE=ISOTROPIC) or elastic orthotropic material properties (*ELASTIC, TYPE=ENGINEERING CONSTANTS)
to ensure that the Abaqus model is working as intended. Ultimately, in the steps below, these initial
material data blocks will be replaced with appropriate user defined Multiscale Designer material data
blocks required. However, if everything is working as intended, a simple switch of the initial material data
blocks for the user defined Multiscale Designer material data blocks should ensure a successful Multiscale
Designer material simulation with the Multiscale Designer Abaqus plugin. Ensure to note the simulation
folder you saved your homogeneous model into, hereafter referred to as
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous.inp.

To submit an Abaqus job to perform the homogeneous simulation;
abq[version] job=[ModelName]_homogeneous interactive
Validate that the results are accurate to expectation by post-processing

[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.odb in HyperView.
Step 3: Create the Multiscale Designer material model files

Within the Multiscale Designer Main Window, Macro Solver Integration frame, click the Abaqus
Interface button to bring up the Abaqus Interface window as shown in Figure 84.
Figure 84: Abaqus Interface GUI Window
1. Select Abaqus Standard or Explicit

2. Browse… to select the Multiscale Designer Abaqus user material DLL folder. Defaults to the
[InstallDir]\plugins\Abaqus\2018 and typically this does not need to be changed.
Currently Abaqus supports up to 9 Multiscale Designer material models within an Abaqus multiscale
simulation. Tabs named MAT(#), where (#) goes from 1 to the number of material models you
defined, are displayed for each multiscale material model. Enter the following data for each
Multiscale Designer material model;
a. The location of the Multiscale Designer Material Model File
b. The number of State Variables. Click Compute to automatically calculate and enter the number
of user defined variables associated with the Multiscale Designer material. See the discussion
below for details on computing and validating the number of user defined variables.
c. Select the State Variable to Output by clicking Select… to view the list of state variables for each
Multiscale Designer material. The default output request SDV automatically outputs all state
variables for all phases.
d. Set the Homogenized Density of the material used to calculate the initial speed of sound. Only
applied to Abaqus/Explicit simulations.
e. The output folder for the Multiscale Designer Material Files.
4. Click Export… For each Multiscale Designer material model, the following Multiscale Designer
material data files will be copied to the output folder
a. [ModelDir]\mdsMAT(#).dat
b. [ModelDir]\NMAT.dat
c. [ModelDir]\abaqus_v6.env
d. [ModelDir]\Abaqus_plugin_data.inp

1. Copy the original homogeneous model file [ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.inp to

[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.inp.
2. Open in a text editor both [ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.inp and
[ModelDir]\Abaqus_plugin_data.inp
3. Copy *MATERIAL, *USER MATERIAL definitions for each Multiscale Designer material model from
[ModelDir]\Abaqus_plugin_data.inp and replace with the *MATERIAL, *ELASTIC definitions of same
MATNAME in [ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.inp
4. Copy the *ELEMENT OUTPUT definition from [ModelDir]\Abaqus_plugin_data.inp and append to

the *ELEMENT OUTPUT definition in [ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.inp
The required keyword data for a user defined multiscale material are described in detail below.
Figure 85: Abaqus Keywords
Abaqus/Standard keyword data blocks
Each user defined Multiscale Designer material should be defined in Abaqus/Standard as follows:
*Material, NAME=MAT(#)
*USER MATERIAL, CONSTANTS=0
*DEPVAR
nstatev
Where the material name must be set as MAT(#) (where (#)=1-9). nstatev is the number of state variables
for the Multiscale Designer material model.
Abaqus/Explicit keyword data blocks
Each user defined Multiscale Designer material should be defined in Abaqus/Explicit as follows:
*MATERIAL, NAME=MAT(#)
*USER MATERIAL, CONSTANTS=0

*DENSITY
homogenized_density
*DEPVAR, DELETE= nstatev
nstatev
Where the material name must be set as MAT(#) (where (#)=1-9). nstatev is the number of state variables
for the Multiscale Designer material model. The homogenous density is required to perform an
Abaqus/Explicit simulation and Multiscale Designer Linear Material Characterization Step can be used to
generate the homogeneous density if necessary. Element deletion is not currently supported in Abaqus
explicit.
*ELEMENT OUTPUT state variables
The nonlinear evolution can be examined by post-processing the output state variables (SDV#). The order
of the output state variables can be determined by clicking the Select… button. An element output
request of SDV will automatically output all state variable for all phases.

All required Multiscale Designer Abaqus model files should be in [ModelDir] folder including;
1. [ModelName].inp
2. abaqus_v6.env
3. NMAT.dat
To submit an Abaqus job to perform the Multiscale Designer simulation;
abq[version] job=[ModelName]_multiscale interactive

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the Abaqus Multiscale Designer
simulation can be visualized by opening the [ModelDir]\ModeName_multiscale.odb results file in the
post-processor and plotting (contour plot or other) the output state variables (SDV#). Each output state
variable (SDV#) can be cross referenced with its actual name by clicking Select… in the Abaqus Interface
window within each Multiscale Material Model tab.
Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64
To run an Abaqus Multiscale Designer simulation on Linux, complete the following steps;
1. Complete steps 1-4 in Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64

2. Edit abaqus_v6.env file to reference the Multiscale Designer Abaqus plugin on the Linux machine
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\abaqus\
Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an Abaqus Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
After completing step 1-4 on Windows, all required Abaqus Multiscale Designer simulation model files
should be in the [ModelDir] folder on the local Windows machine including;
1. ModelName_multiscale.inp
2. abaqus_v6.env
3. NMAT.dat
Step 2: Edit abaqus_v6.env file to reference the Multiscale Designer Abaqus plugin on the Linux
Machine
Open in a text editor on the Windows machine [ModelDir]\abaqus_v6.env and edit the usub_lib_dir
definition to reference the location of the Multiscale Designer Abaqus plugin folder on the Linux
machine which defaults to /[InstallDir]/MultiscaleDesigner/plugins/Abaqus/[abaver]
1. ModelName_multiscale.inp
2. abaqus_v6.env.dat
3. NMAT.dat

Use the following command to launch an Abaqus Multiscale Designer simulation on the Linux machine.
abq[version] job=[ModelName]_multiscale interactive

Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy all Abaqus results files,
ModelName_multiscale.odb, from the Linux machine [ModelDir] folder to the local Windows machine

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the Abaqus Multiscale Designer
simulation can be visualized by opening the [ModelDir]\ModeName_multiscale.odb results file in the
post-processor and plotting (contour plot or other) the output state variables (SDV#). Each output state
variable (SDV#) can be cross referenced with its actual name by clicking Select… in the Abaqus Interface
ANSYS Interface
Supported Versions
ANSYS: 19.2
Running an ANSYS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
To run an ANSYS Multiscale Designer simulation on Windows, complete the following steps;

3. Create the Multiscale Designer material model files
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\ansys\

Using a pre-processor of choice, like Altair HyperMesh®, develop an initial homogeneous model
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.fem for the desired simulation. Name all materials, MAT(#), and
ensure the material ID is also (#). It is initially suggested to develop an initial homogeneous model with
3D orthotropic material properties to ensure the initial homogeneous ANSYS model is working as
intended. Solid elements and plane stress shells are currently supported by Multiscale Designer through
the ANSYS user material feature. Ultimately, in the steps that follow, the initial homogeneous material
data blocks will be replaced with appropriate user defined Multiscale Designer multiscale material data
blocks. If everything is working as intended, a simple switch of the initial homogeneous material data
blocks for the user defined Multiscale Designer multiscale material data blocks should ensure a successful
multiscale simulation with the Multiscale Designer ANSYS plugin. In the following instructions, we assume
the user will be running ANSYS in batch mode. Please note the simulation folder you saved your
homogeneous model into, hereafter referred to as [ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous.db.
To submit the ANSYS batch job; start a command prompt and enter "<drive>:\Program Files\ANSYS
Inc\V192\ANSYS\bin\<platform>\ansys192" -b -i [ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous.db -o output.
Validate that the results are as you expect by post-processing
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.db in HyperView.
Step 3: Create Multiscale Designer data files

Within the Multiscale Designer Main Window, Macro Solver Integration frame, click the ANSYS Interface
button to bring up the ANSYS Interface window as shown in Figure 86.
Figure 86: ANSYS Interface GUI Window
Perform the following steps to create the multiscale material model data files;
1. Browse… to select the Multiscale Designer ANSYS user material folder whose default value is
[InstallDir]\plugins\Ansys\ and typically does not need to be changed.
2. Set the number of Multiscale Material Models to be used in the multiscale simulation. Tabs named
MAT(#), where (#) goes from 1 to the number of material models you defined, are displayed for
each multiscale material model.
a. The location of the Multiscale Designer Material File
[UserDir]\[ModelName]\Mechanical\mdsMAT(#).dat
b. The number of User Defined Variables. Click Compute to automatically calculate and enter the
number of user defined variables associated with the assigned damage laws to each phase. See
the discussion below for details on computing and validating the number of user defined
variables. In addition, click List… to view the list of user defined variables for each phase assigned
damage law.
c. The output folder for the Multiscale Designer Material Files.
3. Click Create Multiscale Material Files… For each multiscale material model, the necessary Multiscale
Designer material data files will automatically be copied and renamed under the selected output
folder as
a. mdsMAT(#).dat
b. NMAT.dat (if there is more than one material)
c. Ansys_plugin_data.db

To create a Multiscale Designer model;
1. Copy the original homogeneous model file [ModelDir]\ModelName_db.fem to

[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.db.
2. Open in a text editor both ModelName_multiscale.db and Ansys_plugin_data.db
3. Set the environment variable described in Ansys_plugin_data.db to the indicated value.
4. Copy the other lines of Ansys_plugin_data.fem into ModelName_multiscale.db replacing the
previously defined homogeneous materials with the user material defintions.
The required keyword data for a user defined multiscale material are described in detail below.
Figure 87: ANSYS Keywords
ANSYS user material commands (one per material)
tb,user,Mat(#)
tb,state,Mat(#),,nstate
For the tb,user,Mat(#) command, the Mat(#) must be set corresponding to the mdsMAT(#).dat
for each material by matching the (#). The tb,state,Mat(#),,nstate specifies the number of state variables
for the Multiscale Designer material. nstate will be automatically assigned the correct value for the
Multiscale Designer material.
The statement outres,svar,all can be placed into the ANSYS batch file to write the state variables to the
ANSYS result file.

All required Multiscale Designer OptiStruct model files should be in the [ModelDir] folder including;
1. ModelName_multiscale.db
2. NMAT.dat
To submit the ANSYS batch job; start a command prompt and enter "<drive>:\Program Files\ANSYS
Inc\V192\ANSYS\bin\<platform>\ansys192" -b -i [ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.db -o output

Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the OptiStruct multiscale
simulation can be visualized by opening the [ModelDir]\file.rst results file in the post-processor and
plotting (contour plot or other) the output state variables (SVAR#) for each micro-phase for each time
increment. Each output state variable (SVAR#) can be cross referenced with its actual name by clicking
List… in the Ansys Interface window within each Multiscale Material Model tab.
Running an ANSYS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Linux64
To run an ANSYS Multiscale Designer simulation on Linux, complete the following steps;
1. Complete steps 1-4 in Running an ANSYS Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64

2. Modify the LOADLIB card to reference the Multiscale Designer OptiStruct plugin on the Linux machine
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\ansys\
Step 1: Complete steps 1-4 in Running an Ansys Multiscale Designer Simulation on Win64
After completing steps 1-4 on Windows, all required Multiscale Designer Ansys model files should be in
the [ModelDir] folder on the local Windows machine including;
2. NMAT.dat
Step 2: Set the environment variables required for the Multiscale Designer ANSYS plugin on the Linux
Machine
This is done by executing export ANS_USER_PATH=pathToPluginDirectory where pathToPluginDirectory

is the location where user chooses to place the libansuser.so and liblmx-altair.so libraries. Also, add
pathToPluginDirectoy to LD_LIBRARY_PATH.
2. NMAT.dat

Use the following command to launch an Ansys Multiscale Designer simulation on the Linux machine:
ansys192 -b -p ANSYS < [ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.db > output 2>&1
Step 5: Copy the result file back to the Windows machine

Use an appropriate SFTP/FTP client, like Altair Compute Manager®, to copy the ANSYS result files, file.rst,
from the Linux machine [ModelDir] folder to the local Windows machine [ModelDir] folder. This is only
necessary if you are going to post-process the results on your local Windows machine. Otherwise, if you
are going to post-process on your Linux machine, there is no need to copy the results files back to the
local Windows machine.
Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the Ansys Multiscale Designer
simulation can be visualized by opening the [ModelDir]\File.rst results file in the post-processor and
plotting (contour plot or other) the output user defined variables (SVAR#). Each output user defined
variable (SVAR#) can be cross referenced with its actual name by clicking List… in the Ansys Interface
LS-DYNA Interface
Supported Versions
LS-DYNA: MPI LS-DYNA R8.0.0
Operating System: Linux64
Running a Multiscale Designer LS-DYNA Simulation on Linux64
To run a Multiscale Designer LS-DYNA simulation on Windows, complete the following steps;

3. Create multiscale material model files
4. Create a multiscale model
5. Solve the multiscale model
6. Post-process the multiscale model
Note: Example models can be found in [ExampleDir]\lsdyna\

Using a pre-processor of choice, like Altair HyperMesh®, develop a complete LS-DYNA model file (*.k) for
the desired simulation. Name all materials (material(#)), where (#) is 1-9 and corresponds to the
number of the multiscale material models needed for the desired simulation. It is initially suggested to
develop a completely working LS-DYNA model with elastic orthotropic material properties (*MAT_002)
for solid elements and/or shell elements to ensure the LS-DYNA model is working as intended.
Ultimately, in the steps below, the initial material data blocks will be replaced with appropriate user
defined multiscale material data blocks required. However, if everything is working as intended, a
simple switch of the initial material data blocks for the user defined multiscale material data blocks
should ensure a successful multiscale material simulation with the Multiscale Designer LS-DYNA plugin.
Ensure to note the simulation folder you saved your homogeneous model into, hereafter referred to as
[ModelDir]\ModelName_homgeneous.k.

To submit an lsdyna job to perform the homogeneous simulation use the following command;
ls-dyna_mpp_s_r8_0_0_95359_x64_redhat54_ifort131_sse2_platformmpi_sharelib
i=ModelName_homogeneous.k
This command assumes that you have added the path to the ls-dyna shared user material library,
libmppdyna_s_94675.94773_usermat.so, to the LD_LIBRARY_PATH environment variable. Validate that
the results are as expected by post-processing [ModelDir]\d3plot in HyperView.
Step 3: Prepare the Multiscale Designer material model data files in Windows
Within the Multiscale Designer Main Window, Macro Solver Integration frame, click the LS-DYNA
Interface button to bring up the LS-DYNA Interface window as shown in Figure 88.
Figure 88: LS-DYNA Interface GUI Window
Currently LS-DYNA supports up to 4 Multiscale Designer material models within a LS-DYNA
Multiscale Designer simulation. Tabs named MAT(#), where (#) goes from 1 to the number of
material models you defined, are displayed for each Multiscale Designer material model.
a. The location of the Multiscale Designer material model file
b. The number of History Variables. Click Compute to automatically calculate and enter the number
of user defined variables. See the discussion below for details on computing and validating the
number of user defined variables. In addition, click List… to view the list of histroy variables for
each phase assigned damage law.
c. Set the Material ID as necessary.
d. Set the Homogenized Density of the material used to calculate the initial speed of sound.
e. The output folder for the Multiscale Designer Material Files.
2. Click Create Multiscale Material Files… For each Multiscale Designer material model, the necessary
Multiscale Designer material data files will be copied to the output folder.
a. mdsMAT(#).dat
b. NMAT.dat
c. LSDyna_plugin_data.k
1. ModelName_multiscale.k
2. NMAT.dat
Step 5: Create a Multiscale Designer Model

1. Copy the original homogeneous starter and engine model files

[ModelDir]\ModelName_homogeneous.k
to
[ModelDir]\ModelName_multiscale.k
2. Open in a text editor the files below;
ModelName_multiscale.k
LSdyna_plugin_data.k
3. Copy *MAT_USER_DEFINED_MATERIAL MODELS definitions for each multiscale material model
from LSDyna_plugin_data.k and replace with the *MAT_002 definitions of same MID in the model
file ModelName_multiscale.k
4. Copy *DATABASE_EXTENT_BINARY definition from LSdyna_plugin_data.k and append to the model
file ModelName_multiscale.k
The required keyword data for a user defined Multiscale Designer material are described in detail below.
LS-DYNA material keyword data blocks

Each user defined Multiscale Designer material model should be defined in LS-DYNA as follows;
*MAT_USER_DEFINED_MATERIAL_MODELS
ID, density, userID, 3, nhistv, 1, 1, 2
0, 1, 0, 0, 0
3.0, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0
0.0, 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0
max_stiffness, shear_modulus, USR#1, minUSR#1, maxUSR#1, USR#2, minUSR#2, maxUSR#2, flag
*DATABASE_EXTENT_BINARY
nhistv
0
The number of history variables, nhistv, is the number of history variables required for any given
Multiscale Designer law. The element deletion criteria are specified with six scalar values AFTER the
max_stiffness value. The first three values work in together, the first value is a state variable number, and
the second value is a minimum limit value for that state variable number, and the third value is a maximum
limit value for that state variable number. When the state variable exceeds the minimum or maximum
limit value, the element is marked for deletion. The next three values function in an identical fashion to
the previous three values allowing for an additional state variable criteria. The final value is a flag that
determines if the element deleted deletion criteria is activated (flag = 1) due to the first criteria OR the
second criteria being met, or (flag = 0) the first criteria AND the second criteria being met. With this
framework, we can specify many different criteria including strain-based criteria, plastic work criteria,
damage scalar criteria, etc… Any available state variable for any phase material law can be used to specify
element deletion.
Step 6: Solve the Multiscale Designer Model

All required Multiscale Designer LS-DYNA model files should be in the [ModelDir] folder including;
1. [ModelName]_multiscale.k
2. NMAT.dat
To submit an LS-DYNA job to perform the multiscale simulation;
ls-dyna_mpp_s_r8_0_0_95359_x64_redhat54_ifort131_sse2_platformmpi_sharelib
i=ModelName_multiscale.k
Step 7: Post-process the Multiscale Designer Model
Using a post-processor of choice, like Altair HyperView®, the results of the LS-DYNA Multiscale Designer
job can be reviewed by opening the d3plot results file in the post-processor and plotting (contour plot or
other) the output state variables.
Nastran Interface
Nastran Interface only applies to linear materials.
Single Scale Nonlinear Material Characterization
Besides multiscale material computation, Multiscale Designer provides single scale material
characterization functionality. It is unnecessary to define unit cell model for single scale material, and
linear material characterization doesn’t make sense. Only the nonlinear material characterization is
available for single scale analysis based on Multiscale Designer built-in nonlinear material laws. By clicking
Material Model Type selection in the main window, the Single Scale Nonlinear Material Characterization
functionality is activated as shown in Figure 89.
Figure 89: Single Scale Selection Window
Click Single Scale Material Characterization button to open the Single Scale Material Characterization
window as shown in Figure 90. Within Forward Homogenization tab, all linear and nonlinear material
properties are a priori defined to perform various macro simulations. If you are familiar with the multiscale
Nonlinear Material Characterization, the single scale analysis is almost the same with multiscale analysis.
The linear symmetry type and parameters should be defined first and see Deterministic Analysis >
Nonlinear Material Characterization > Forward Homogenization for more details about nonlinear
damage laws, macro simulations, and solution control.
Figure 90: Single Scale Nonlinear Material Characterization Window – Forward Homogenization
Click Single Scale Material Characterization button to open the Single Scale Material Characterization
window. Within Inverse Characterization tab, all linear and nonlinear material properties are a priori
defined, and nonlinear material properties can be active, to perform inverse characterization. See
Deterministic Analysis > Nonlinear Material Characterization > Inverse Characterization for more details.
Figure 91: Single Scale Nonlinear Material Characterization Window – Inverse Characterization
Macro Solver Interfaces

Within Macro Solver Interfaces, the nonlinear single scale material can be exported to different macro
solvers, including OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus/Standard, Abaqus/Explicit, ANSYS, and LS-DYNA. See
Deterministic Analysis > Macro Solver Interfaces for more details.
Stochastic Analysis
Stochastic Sampling Methods
Multiscale Designer provides two sampling methods as shown in Figure 92;
1. Monte Carlo, a widely-used stochastic analysis method, and

2. Sparse Grid, an advanced integration method stochastic space which can compute mean value
and variance with much fewer realizations.
Figure 92: Multiscale Designer Sampling Methods
For the Monte Carlo method, the total number of realizations will be determined by the multiplication of
the number of samples, N Samples, for each active parameter. For the Sparse Grid method, the number
of realizations increases with increasing number of Level assigned to each active parameter. Note that
with more realizations, more accurate results are obtained. However, as the number of realizations
increases, the overall CPU time substantially increases as well.
Stochastic Distributions
Multiscale Designer supports three types of distributions as shown in Figure 93;
1. Uniform
2. Normal
3. Lognormal
For forward homogenization, the distribution can be selected from a popup menu as shown in Figure 93
by clicking on the Distribution column cell. The interpretation of Para 1 and Para 2 is based on the
assigned distribution and is listed in Table 8 for the different distribution types. The same information is
displayed in a popup text box when the cursor is placed over a Distribution column cell.
Figure 93: Multiscale Designer Distribution Types
Table 8: Interpretation of Para 1 and Para 2 for each Distribution Type
Distribution Type Para 1 Para 2
Uniform Lower Bound Upper Bound
Normal Mean Value Standard Deviation
Lognormal Mean Value Standard Deviation
Probability Distribution Functions (PDF) of Experimental Results
In an inverse characterization analysis, the distribution of macro homogenized properties observed in

experiments needs to be provided. Multiscale Designer supports three popular distribution types to
describe the experimental results; Normal, Lognormal, and Uniform distributions. Since Multiscale
Designer converts the continuous distributions into discrete distributions, in addition to the two
parameters defining the distribution, the number of intervals needs to be specified.
Stochastic Linear Material Characterization
The Multiscale Designer Stochastics Linear Material Characterization module consists of two analysis
capabilities; Forward Analysis and Inverse Analysis.
Forward Analysis
In the Stochastic Region of Multiscale Designer Main Window, click Linear Material Characterization
button to open the Stochastic Linear Analysis window as shown in Figure 94.
Figure 94: Stochastic Linear Analysis window, Forward Analysis tab
Within the Forward Analysis tab there are four frames for specific input required to perform a stochastic
linear material characterization forward analysis including:
 Sampling Methods
 Unit Cell Model Definition
 Linear Material Identification
 Laminate Definition
Sampling Method
Refer to the previous sections about stochastic sampling methods above to select a sampling method.
If you are familiar with the deterministic analysis in Multiscale Designer, the Unit Cell Model Definition
section only needs few additional parameters to describe the stochastic distribution for each active unit
cell parameter including N. Samples, Distribution, Para 1, and Para 2. Refer to the stochastic distribution
section above for further details. Deterministic values are input into the Value column the same way as
in the deterministic analysis for any non-active unit cell parameter. An example indicating how the
uncertainty is quantified in the Fiber Volume Fraction of the Fibrous Square unit cell is shown in Figure
95.
Figure 95: Unit Cell Distribution Definitions
If you are familiar with the deterministic analysis in Multiscale Designer, the Linear Material
Characterization section only needs few additional parameters to describe the stochastic distribution for
each active linear material property including N. Samples, Distribution, Para1, and Para2. Refer to the
stochastic distribution section above for further details. Deterministic values are input into the Value
column the same way as in the deterministic analysis for any non-active linear material property. An
example indicating how the uncertainty is quantified for the Matrix Parameter E is shown in Figure 96.
Figure 96: Linear Material Distribution Definitions
Laminates
The laminate section is the same as in the deterministic analysis. By checking Laminate, various laminate
definitions can be defined. A stochastic linear material characterization accounting for all the defined
random variation will be performed on each defined laminate. Figure 97 shows a [45/-45]s laminate
definition.
Figure 97: Laminate Definitions
Stochastic Results
Once all the deterministic and random variables are defined, click Run... to perform the analysis. You can
monitor simulation progress in the Backend Program window as shown in Figure 98.
Figure 98: Backend Program Window Simulation Progress
Click Excel… to review the Stochastic Linear Analysis results in the Microsoft Excel window as shown in
Figure 99. The sheets’ names represent the six linear properties of Unit Cell and any defined Laminates
(Ex, Ey, Ez, Gyz, Gxz, Gxy). By clicking on a sheet of the excel file, the details of the discrete distribution
data for the clicked property is shown. A Probability Distribution Function (PDF) and Cumulative Density
Function (CDF) plot of each linear property of the Unit Cell and each defined Laminate is generated.
Example PDF and CDF plots are shown in Figure 100.
Figure 99: Stochastic Linear Analysis Results
Figure 100: Example Probability Distribution Function (Top) and Cumulative Distribution Function (Bottom)
Inverse Analysis
Multiscale Designer provides the functionality to run a stochastic linear material characterization inverse
analysis. To run an inverse analysis, the distributions of selected macro homogenized material properties
are provided as inputs, and Multiscale Designer will compute the distribution of the active micro-phase
linear properties consistent with the prescribed lower and upper bounds. Since we do not know the
micro-phase property distributions, we must first assume that the micro-phase linear properties are all
uniformly distributed between the lower and upper bounds. In the backend program, Multiscale Designer
evenly spaces samples within the defined lower and upper bound for each active micro-phase property.
To conduct the inverse analysis, the distribution for at least one of the macro homogenized properties
must be provided for either the Unit Cell definition or one of the Laminate definitions or both. If
distributions for multiple macro homogenized properties are provided, then the joint probability
distribution function is computed as the product of the user supplied marginal distributions. Therefore,
multiple quantities of interest should only be specified if it is reasonable to approximate them as
statistically independent.
To perform an inverse analysis, click the Inverse Analysis tab on the Stochastic Linear Analysis window
as shown in Figure 101. Like the Forward Analysis tab, within the Inverse Analysis tab there are four
frames for specific input required to perform a stochastic linear material characterization inverse analysis
including:
 Unit Cell Model Definition

 Linear Material Identification
 Laminate Definition
 Macro Homogenized Material Property
Figure 101: Stochastic Linear Analysis window, Inverse Analysis tab
If you are familiar with the deterministic analysis in Multiscale Designer, the Unit Cell Model Definition
section only needs few additional parameters to describe the stochastic distribution for each active unit
cell parameter including N. Samples, LB, and UB. Deterministic values are input into the Value column
the same way as in the deterministic analysis for any non-active unit cell parameter. An example
indicating how the uncertainty is quantified in the Fiber Volume Fraction of the Fibrous Square unit cell
is shown in Figure 102.
Figure 102: Unit Cell Distribution Definitions
If you are familiar with the deterministic analysis in Multiscale Designer, the Linear Material
Characterization section only needs few additional parameters to describe the stochastic distribution for
each active linear material property including N. Samples, LB, and UB. Deterministic values are input into
the Value column the same way as in the deterministic analysis for any non-active linear material
property. An example indicating how the uncertainty is quantified for the Matrix Parameter E is shown
in Figure 103.
Figure 103: Linear Material Distribution Definitions
Laminates
The laminate section is the same as in the deterministic analysis. By checking Laminate, various laminate
definitions can be defined. A stochastic linear material characterization accounting for all the defined
random variation will be performed on each defined laminate. Figure 104 shows a [45/-45]s laminate
definition.
Figure 104: Laminate Definitions
Macro Homogenized Material Property
For each macro homogenized material property for which the distribution is known, select the
Distribution Type, Para 1, and Para 2 based on the distribution type. The Number of Intervals defines
the discrete discretization of the continuous distribution. Generally, more intervals produce more
accurate results. If distributions for multiple macro homogenized properties are provided, then the joint
probability distribution function is computed as the product of the user supplied marginal distributions.
Therefore, multiple quantities of interest should only be specified if it is reasonable to approximate
them as statistically independent. Figure 105 shows the Macro Homogenized Material Property frame
input data section.
Figure 105: Macro Homogenized Material Property
Stochastic Results
Once all the deterministic and random variables are defined, click Run... to perform the analysis. You can
monitor simulation progress in the Backend Program window as shown in Figure 106.
Figure 106: Backend Program Window Simulation Progress
Click Excel… to review the Stochastic Linear Analysis results in the Microsoft Excel window as shown in
Figure 107. The sheets’ names represent the active micro-phase properties. By clicking on a sheet in the
excel file, the details of the discrete distribution data for the clicked micro-phase property is shown. A
Probability Distribution Function (PDF) plot of each active micro-phase property is generated. Example
PDF plot is shown in Figure 108, where the x axis represents the intervals subdivision according to the
lower and upper bounds assigned and the y axis shows the probability value for each interval. For more
accurate results, a more detailed experimental PDF should be provided, i.e. the more intervals are being
provided, the more accurate the result will be obtained.
Figure 107: Stochastic Linear Inverse Results
Figure 108: Distribution of Matrix’s E
Stochastic Linear and Nonlinear Material Characterization
The stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward analysis follows along the same lines
as stochastic linear material characterization forward analysis, so little additional information is presented
in this section.
Forward Analysis
To control the linear or nonlinear analysis define both the Linear Setup and Nonlinear Setup panels as
shown in Figure 109.
Figure 109: Linear and Nonlinear Setup Panel Controller
The Linear Setup of the stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward analysis can be
configured in the same way as in the stochastic linear material characterization forward analysis.
Therefore, in the following we focus on the Nonlinear Setup. All the deterministic parameters can be set
the same way as in a deterministic analysis. Figure 110 shows an example of a stochastic linear and
nonlinear material characterization forward analysis Nonlinear Setup. Once all the model parameters are
properly defined, click Run… to start the stochastic forward analysis. The analysis progress can be
monitored in the Backend Program window as shown in Figure 111.
Figure 110: Stochastic Nonlinear Analysis Setup
Figure 111: Stochjastic Nonlinear Analysis Progress
After the backend program completes, close the backend program window and click Results… to view the
stochastic forward analysis results. The results window is shown in Figure 112 with two tables. The left
table contains all the simulations run in the Linear and Nonlinear Setup. By clicking on a given simulation,
the results for the maximum stress of the selected simulation will be presented in the upper right table.
By further clicking on the upper right table data, the detailed probability distribution results for the
selected simulation will be shown in the lower right table. Stochastic forward analysis results can be
exported to Microsoft Excel by clicking Export Probability to Excel… as shown in Figure 113.
Figure 112: Linear and Nonlinear Stochastic Analysis Results
Figure 113: Results of Stochastic Forward Analysis in Microsoft Excel
Tutorials
Tutorial 1 - Deterministic First Walkthrough
In this section, a complete analysis of a fibrous square unit cell is demonstrated. Note that this example
is intended to illustrate the use of the most basic options in Multiscale Designer. To start Multiscale
Designer from the Windows Start Menu > MultiscaleDesigner_v# > Multiscale Designer.
Click the New Material Model tool in the Multiscale Designer Main Window to bring up the Create a
New Material Model window. Enter the Material Model Name Tutorial1.
Figure 1: Material Model Name Definition Window
Click the Unit Cell Model Definition button in the Deterministic Region of Multiscale Designer Main
Window to bring up the Unit Cell Model Definition window as shown in Figure 2. Enter the following
values.
Parametric Model
Model: Fibrous
Configuration: Square
Input Data: Geometric data
 Fiber Volume Fraction (%)=30.0
Mesh Control > Element Type
 Quad. Tetrahadron
Mesh Control > Adaptive
 Geometric Tolerance (%)=1.0
 Max Num. of Iterations=5

 Element Size Bounds=Unchecked
Real-time Assistant
For the Fibrous Square Unit Cell, only the Max Fiber Volume Fraction (%) is available as a Real-time Input
Assistant. The unit cell scaled dimensions are automatically calculated and displayed for a Fibrous Square
Unit Cell at Fiber Volume Fraction 30%. This unit cell geometry is also shown in UNITCELL_SIZE in Figure
3.
Figure 2: Unit Cell Model Definition Window
Run
Click Run… to execute the backend program to generate the unit cell model. Then let us examine the
resulting unit cell mesh. Click on Statistics… button to get statistics of the generated unit cell mesh as
shown in Figure 3 and then Close.
Figure 3: Unit Cell Mesh Statistics
Click on Visualize… button to view the unit cell model results window as shown in Figure 4 and then Close.
The unit cell model results window is only used to visualize the finite element mesh.
Figure 4: Unit Cell Mesh Results Window
Click on Hypermesh… button to view the unit cell model results in Hypermesh window as shown in Figure
5 and then Close. The unit cell model results window is only used to visualize the finite element mesh.
Figure 5: Unit Cell Mesh Results in Hypermesh Window
Click Save and then Close on the Unit Cell Model Definition window to complete Unit Cell Model Definiton
Step.
Linear Material Characterization – Forward Homogenization

In the Multiscale Designer Main Window click the Linear Material Characterization button to bring up
the Linear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 6. We will perform a forward
homogenization problem by working in the Forward Homogenization tab. In a forward homogenization
problem, the user provides linear material properties for each micro-phase and Multiscale Designer
computes the macro homogenized linear properties of the unit cell. For each micro-phase enter the
following material properties, we’ll assume each micro-phase is modeled as an isotropic material as
shown in Figure 6. This tutorial simulates a fiber which is 10x stiffer than its matrix.
Micro Material Property

Material Type = Elasticity
Phase 1
Name = matrix; Symmetric Type = Isotropic
 E=1.0
 =0.3
 E_C=0.9
 =10.0
 ρ=1.0
Phase 2
Name = fiber; Symmetry Type = Isotropic
 E=10.0
 =0.2
 E_C=9.0
 =1.0
 ρ=2.0
Figure 6: Linear Material Characterization Window

The table list all the Macro Homogenized Material Properties to be computed.
Run
Click Run… button to invoke the backend program for the forward homogenization problem. The Backend
Program window shows status of the linear material characterization run. When the run is complete, click
Close.
Now let us examine the resulting macro homogeneous linear material data. Click Excel… button to view
the results data in Microsoft Excel window as shown in Figure 7.1. The micro-phase properties used for
the run (and same as those typed in) are show in the Micro sheet. The macro homogenized linear
properties are shown on the Macro sheet. We can also view the results data by clicking Result… button
directly, as shown in Figure 7.2. The homogenized properties are provided in two forms:
1. Engineering material constants such as Young’s modulus, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio
2. Full 6×6 homogenized elastic tensor which can be used for linear macro analysis
Figure 7.1: Macro Homogenized Linear Material Property Results
Figure 7.2: Macro Homogenized Linear Material Property Results
Additionally, the following HyperMesh/HyperView input files are created under

[UserDir]\Tutorial1\Mechanical\internal folder;
1. Tutorial1_mesh.fem
2. Tutorial1_mode(_C).hwascii
These two files contain the OpitStruct Unit Cell mesh and HyperView Unit Cell Linear Results respectively.
Click HyperView… button to view the results data in HyperView window as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8: Macro Homogenized Linear Material Property Results
Click Save and then Close on the Linear Material Characterization window to complete this Step.
Linear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization

Next let us examine the inverse characterization problem. In an inverse characterization, the backend
program solves an optimization problem with some of the macro homogeneous linear material properties
prescribed from experiment (target values) and a selection of the micro-phase linear material properties
being active parameters to be characterized (solved for). In the Multiscale Designer Main Window click
the Linear Material Characterization button to bring up the Linear Material Characterization window.
Click the Inverse Characterization tab to define an Inverse Characterization problem as described below
and shown in Figure 9. Note that in this inverse characterization problem, we’ll set the optimization
objective as the macro homogeneous modulus Ex=3.70, the same as we got in the previous forward
homogenization. The design variables in this case will be the fiber modulus E with an initial value=8.0,
lower bound=5.0, and upper bound=15.0. The resulting fiber modulus should be E = 10.0 as we already
know from the previous forward homogenization that this value produces the desired macro
homogeneous modulus Ex=3.70. Leave all Characterization Control inputs as defaults with Algorithm =
Trust Region.

Phase 2
 Parameter E; Initial Value=8.0, Active=checked, Lower Bound=5.0, Upper Bound=15.0

Objectives
 Parameter Ex; Exp. Value=3.70, Target=checked, Weight=1
Characterization Control
Algorithm = Trust Region
 Function Tolerance=0.01, Jacobian Tolerance=1e-8

 Maximum Iterations=10.0, Initial Step Bound=100.0
Figure 9: Inverse Optimization Characterization Window
Run
Click Run… button to invoke the backend program for the inverse characterization problem. The inverse
characterization Backend Program window shows the inverse optimization problem progress and outputs
the residuals at each iteration along with the final micro-phase optimized properties. Since the objective
function is well posed in this example, the fiber modulus E is found in a single iteration with very small
residuals. Close the Backend Program window.
Now let us examine the resulting micro-phase and macro homogeneous linear material data. Click Excel…
button to view the Results Data in Microsoft Excel window. On the Micro sheet shown in Figure 10.1,
note that the inverse characterization problem solution found the Fiber Modulus E=10.00, within the 1%
tolerance entered (default). On the Macro sheet shown in Figure 11.1, note that the resulting macro
homogenized Axial Modulus Ex=3.70, again within the 1% prescribed tolerance. The results data can also
be viewd directly by clicking Result… button, as shown in Figure 10.2 and Figure 11.2.
Figure 10.1: Inverse Optimization Problem - Micro Property Results
Figure 10.2: Inverse Optimization Problem - Micro Property Results
Figure 11.1: Inverse Optimization Problem - Macro Property Results
Figure 11.2: Inverse Optimization Problem - Macro Property Results
Click Update Initial Values to update the values from the Inverse Characterization results.
Click Save and then Close on the Linear Material Characterization window to complete this Step.
Nonlinear Material Characterization – Forward Homogenization

In the Multiscale Designer Main Window click the Nonlinear Material Characterization button to bring
up the Nonlinear Material Characterization window as shown in Figure 12. Note that the micro phase
information generated in Unit Cell Model Definition Step and Linear Material Characterization Step are
automatically loaded here. First, we will perform a forward homogenization using the Forward
Homogenization tab. All nonlinear micro-properties will be assumed known, and Multiscale Designer will
perform nonlinear multiscale simulations on a single macro-element (unit cell) or stack of macro-elements
(laminates) if the laminate option is checked. See Deterministic Analysis > Nonlinear Material
Characterization > Forward Homogenization for formulation details and a full list of the nonlinear damage
and plasticity laws available within Multiscale Designer.

Phase 1
Name=matrix, Symmetry Type=Isotropic
Damage Law=Isotropic Damage - Bilinear
 Damage Initiation Strength in Tension; 0=0.01

 Final Failure Strain in Tension; 1=0.0125
 Damage Initiation Strength in Compression; 0_C=0.01
 Final Failure Strain in Compression; 1_C=0.0125
Phase 2
Name=fiber, Symmetry Type=Isotropic
Damage Law=None (Keep Elastic)
Laminate
Define two laminates by checking the Laminate box reveling the Laminate frame.
Layups=2; Layup Type=General Laminate
Layup 1
Plies=1
 PlyID 1; Angle=0, Thickness=1
Layup 2
Plies=1
Macro Simulation
Next, we will define two macro simulations within the Macro Simulation frame. We choose to conduct
two Unnotched Tension (UNT) simulations, both of which are monotonic loading with displacement
control. The first specimen be a [0] UNT specimen and the second a [90] UNT specimen. Both specimens
will be displaced to a maximum strain of 0.02 (2%), no thermal residual, and have a minimum number of
output points equal to 20. In addition, the Test Time is set to 1.0s, and then the loading rate for each test
will be set to 0.02/sec. Most implicit simulations (of which we are defining) are normalized to 1sec. In
exact, we are defining implicit MULTISCALE simulations.
Sim 1
 Model=UNT/C
 Name=LT
 Layup ID=1 ([0]]
 Test Time (s)=1.0
 Maximum Strain=0.02
 Delta Temperature=0
 Minimum Thermal Increaments=0 (No Thermal)
 Minimum Mechanical Increaments=20
Sim 2
 Model=UNT/C
 Name=TT
 Layup ID=2 ([90])
 Minimum Thermal Increaments=0 (No Thermal)
Solution Control
Next, we’ll finish the definition of the Implicit Multiscale Simulations by defining Solution Control
parameters for the Implicit FEA Multiscale Solver built into Multiscale Designer within the Solution
Control frame. Typically, all values should be left at their default values.
B-Bar Stabilization=checked
Viscous Stabilization=checked; Damping Parameter=0.0001 (default = 1.0e-4 * total time)
Load Loss Auto Stop (%)=20; Number of Threads=select
Maximum Outputs=20
Convergence Parameters
 Macro=Leave as default
 Micro=Leave as default
Figure 12: Nonlinear Material Characterization Window
Run
Click Run… button to invoke the Backend Program window for forward homogenization nonlinear
material characterization. Close the Backend Program window. The nonlinear material characterization
backend program performs the prescribed implicit multiscale simulations with the prescribed micro
nonlinear properties and creates the following file containing the micro-phase nonlinear properties;
1. Tutorial1_NLmatl.dat
In addition, the following files are also created for each macro simulation #;
1. Tutorial1_NLSim_#.csv (contains the stress v strain curve. Open in MS Excel)

2. Tutorial1_NLSim_#.fem (contains the macro simulation mesh. Import into HyperMesh)
3. Tutorial1_NLSim_#.hwascii (contains the macro simulation results. Import into HyperView)
Finally, let us examine the nonlinear material characterization results data files. Click Excel… button to
view the Results Data in Microsoft Excel window as shown in Figure 13.1. The implicit multiscale
simulation results include datas and plots. The Results data can also be viewed by clicking Result… button,
as shown in Figure 13.2. The plots for simulation 1 ([0] UNT) and simulation 2 ([90] UNT) are shown in
Sheet Summary_Plot and in Sheet LT_Plot & TT_Plot respectively, as shown in Figure 14, Figure 15.1 and
Figure 15.2. Since the fiber was defined as None (Keep Elastic) you’ll notice that the [0] UNT specimen
never fails, as it shouldn’t. However, the [90] UNT specimen fails at a macro homogenized stress=0.0121,
which is when the matrix damage initiation stress=0.01 is reached in the [90] UNT specimen.
Figure 13.1: Results Data Window
Figure 13.2: Results Data Window
Figure 15: Nonlinear Material Characterization Excel Chart – Direct Homogenization – Sim 1 & 2
Figure 15.1: Nonlinear Material Characterization Excel Chart – Direct Homogenization – Sim 1 - [0] UNT
Figure 15.2: Nonlinear Material Characterization Excel Chart – Direct Homogenization – Sim 2 - [90] UNT
Click HyperView… button to view the results in HyperView window as shown in Figure 16.
Figure 16: Results in HyperView Window
Click Save and then Close on the Nonlinear Material Characterization window to complete
this Step.
Nonlinear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization

Next let us examine the inverse characterization problem. In an inverse characterization, the backend
program solves an optimization problem by minimizing the error between the experimental (or target)
and the computed (or simulated) macro homogenized properties with a selection of the micro-phase
properties as active (target) design values. The basic concept of the inverse characterization is like that
in Linear Material Characterization Step, except that the active micro-phase design values are those
from nonlinear material models and the target macro homogenized properties are from the nonlinear
response (i.e. strain-stress curves) of the simulations. In the Multiscale Designer Main Window click the
Nonlinear Material Characterization button to bring up the Nonlinear Material Characterization
window and click on the Inverse Characterization tab to enter all the necessary information for the
inverse characterization problem as described below.
Micro Mechanical Property

On the left-hand side of the window, let us define the micro-phase nonlinear properties
Phase 1
Matrix Initial Damage Initiation Strength Parameter 0; Initial Value=0.007, Active=checked, Lower
Bound=0.005, and Upper Bound=0.015.
All other Matrix nonlinear properties are kept the same.
Also, the fiber phase is kept as None (Keep Elastic).
Laminate
Keep all defined laminates, Layup 1 [0] and Layup 2 [90], the same.
Figure 17 shows both the Micro Mechanical Property and Laminate settings.
Figure 17: Nonlinear Material Characterization – Inverse Characterization Window
Macro Experimental Data

On the right-hand side of the window, let us define the experimental stress-strain data as provided below
in Table 1. Note that for convenience we selected the stress vs. strain data to be the stress vs. strain curve
obtained from the forward homogenization analysis previously run and as shown in Figure 13.
Consequently, the matrix phase damage initiation strength in tension should converge to a value of
0=0.01.
Tests=1
Test 1
 Model=UNT/C
 Name=LT
 Layup ID=1 [0]
 Minimum Thermal Increaments=0 (no thermal)
 Minimum Mechanical Increaments = 20

 Enter stress values from table below
Pt Strain Stress
1 0.0010 0.0037
2 0.0020 0.0074
3 0.0030 0.0111
4 0.0040 0.0148
5 0.0050 0.0185
6 0.0060 0.0222
7 0.0070 0.0259
8 0.0080 0.0296
9 0.0090 0.0333
10 0.0100 0.0370
11 0.0110 0.0370
12 0.0120 0.0359
13 0.0130 0.0390
14 0.0140 0.0420
15 0.0150 0.0450
16 0.0160 0.0480
17 0.0170 0.0510
18 0.0180 0.0540
19 0.0190 0.0570
20 0.0200 0.0600
Solution Control
Viscous Stabilization=checked, Damping Parameter=0.0001 (default = 1.0e-4 * total time)
Load Loss Auto Stop (%)=20, Number of Threads=select
Maximum Outputs=20
Characterization Control
Algorithm=Ant Colony
 Functional Tolerance=0.001
 Maximum Iterations=100
 Maximum Running Time (s)=60000
 Output Interval=10
 Save to File=0
Run
Click Run… button to invoke Backend Program window to solve the nonlinear material characterization
inverse problem. In the Backend Program window, you can see that the matrix phase Damage Initiation
Strength in Tension value converges to 0=0.01 with a small function tolerance in about twenty iterations.
Close the Backend Program window.
Figure 18: Backend Program Window - Inverse Characterization
Click Excel… button to view the Results Data in Microsoft Excel window as shown in Figure 19. The Data
tab gives the result data, and the Plot tab gives the experimental stress vs strain curve against the
simulation stress vs strain curve as shown in Figure 20. Note that once optimization program converges,
the macro simulation data should be within the user-defined tolerance to the prescribed experimental
data (target).
Figure 19: Results Data Excel Window
Figure 20: Nonlinear Material Characterization Excel Chart – Inverse Optimization – Simulation 1 – [0] UNT
Click HyperView… button to view the results in HyperView window as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21: Results in HyperView Window– Inverse Optimization – Simulation 1 – [0] UNT
Click Save and then Close on the Nonlinear Material Characterization window to complete
this Step.
Click Exit on the Multiscale Designer main window to complete the tutorial.
Note:
With the completion of all three steps within Multiscale Designer, you have developed a complete
multiscale material model (MMM) and the required material data files to perform a general nonlinear
implicit multiscale analysis with any of the supported macro solvers (Optistruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, ANSYS,
LS-DYNA, and Nastran). See Deterministic Analysis > Macro Solver Interfaces for more information.
Tutorial 2 - Stochastics First Walkthrough
In this tutorial we demonstrate how variability in the micro-phase properties affects the overall variability
of the macro homogeneous material properties.
In the Multiscale Designer Main Window click the New Material Model tool to bring up the Create a
New Material Model window. Enter the Material Model Name Tutorial2.
Figure 1: Material Model Name Definition Window
Click the Unit Cell Model Definition button in the Stochastic Region of Multiscale Designer Main Window
to bring up the Unit Cell Model Definition window as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Stochastic Linear Analysis - Forward Analysis
Forward Analysis
In this part of the tutorial we will demonstrate how variability of the matrix modulus E affects the
variability of the macro homogenized properties of the unit cell using a stochastic linear material
characterization forward analysis.
Sampling Methods
Multiscale Designer provides two sampling methods; Monte Carlo and Sparse Grid. The Monte Carlo
method is a popular stochastic analysis method used widely in various areas in engineering and science.
On the other hand, the Sparse Grid method provides a more efficient way to compute mean and standard
deviation of a stochastic problem than does the Monte Carlo method. For this stochastic linear material
characterization forward analysis, we will use the Monte Carlo sampling method by selecting Monte Carlo
from the Sampling Method for Active Parameters drop-down as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Sampling Method Selection

Define the geometric and mesh parameters of the unit cell within the Unit Cell Model Definition frame
and as shown in Figure 4 and as detailed below.
Parametric Model
Model=Fibrous
Configuration=Square
Input Data=Geometric data
 Fiber Volume Fraction=30.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Meshing Control > Element Type
Meshing Control > Adaptive
 Geometric Tolerance (%)=1.0

 Max Iterations=5
 Element Size Bounds=unchecked
Figure 4: Unit Cell Geometric Definition
Linear Material Definition

Define the micro-phase linear material properties within the Linear Material Characterization frame as
shown in Figure 5. The difference between a deterministic analysis and stochastic analysis is that in a
deterministic analysis every material property is fixed; while in a stochastic analysis, material properties
introduce variability into the property definitions. In the following, we will demonstrate how the variation
of the matrix modulus, E, affects the overall variation of the macro homogeneous material properties of
the unit cell. To introduce the variation of the matrix modulus, simply check the Active column which
indicates that the checked property has a stochastic distribution defined. Since we chose the Monte Carlo
sampling method, the N. Samples column provides the number of samples that will be generated, 200 in
this case. Also, since the matrix modulus follows normal distribution, click on the tab in the Distribution
column and choose Normal from the popup menu as shown in Figure 6. For the normal distribution, Para
1 and Para 2 stand for mean and standard deviation values respectively. Here, we’ll set the mean to 1.0
and the standard deviation to 0.1. The finalized stochastic definition of the matrix phase modulus, E, is
shown in Figure 5. All other micro-phase properties are deterministic.
Phase 1
Parameter E; Value=1.0, Active=checked, N. Samples=200, Distribution=Normal, Para1=1.0, Para2=0.1
Parameter ; Value=0.1, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter E_C; Value=1.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter ; Value=10.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Phase 2
Parameter E; Value=10.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter ; Value=1.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Figure 5: Linear Material Definition
Figure 6: Distribution Selection
Run
For this example, we will skip the laminate section and only consider the macro homogeneous property
of unit cell itself. Click the Run… to start the stochastic linear analysis. The progress of the stochastic run
can be monitored in the Backend Program window as shown in Figure 6. Note, only 1 CPU can be used
in the current release, CPU 0. After the stochastic run completes, Close the Backend Program window.
Figure 6: Stochastic Backend Program Progress – Forward Analysis
Click Excel… button to view the Microsoft Excel window as shown in Figure 7. The sheets contain the
computed macro homogenized properties of the unit cell and each laminate layup (if defined) along with
details of the resulting statistical distributions of each macro homogenized property. For each sheet, the
Mean value, the Standard Deviation value, the Best Fit Distribution, the Parameters 1 and Parameters 2
for the distribution, and the A-basis, B-basis values are given at first. The continuous distributions used
by Multiscale Designer and the corresponding parameter list are given in Table 1. Note that the A-basis
and B-basis values are computed from the best fit continuous distribution and not the discrete data. The
detailed probability distribution data for the selected macro homogenized property is also shown in each
sheet along with Probability Density Function (PDF) and Cumulative Density Function (CDF) figures of the
macro homogenized property.
Figure 7: Multiscale Designer Stochastic Analysis Results – Forward Analysis
Table 1 Stochastic Forward Analysis – Statistical Distributions
Name Parameter 1 Parameter 2
Normal Mean Standard Deviation
Lognormal Mean Standard Deviation
Weibull Shape Parameter Scale Parameter
Uniform Lower Bound Upper Bound
Close the Microsoft Excel window.
Click Save and then Close on the Stochastic Linear Analysis window.
Inverse Analysis
The stochastic linear material characterization inverse analysis is exactly the opposite of the stochastic
linear material characterization forward analysis. In the stochastic inverse analysis, the distribution of the
macro homogeneous material properties is known and Multiscale Designer will compute the distributions
of the micro-phase material properties. In the Stochastics Region of Multiscale Designer Main Window,
click Linear Material Characterization button to bring up the Stochastics Linear Analysis window, finally
switch to the Inverse Analysis tab as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Stochastic Linear Analysis - Inverse Analysis

In this example we’ll leave the unit cell parameters, Fibrous Square at Fiber Volume Fraction (%)=30, as
deterministic parameters.

In this example we will demonstrate how to inverse characterize the normal distribution of the matrix
modulus E given the normal distribution of the macro homogenized modulus Ex. To inverse characterize
the distribution of the matrix modulus, simply check the Sample on column which indicates that the
checked property has a stochastic distribution to be determined. The N. Samples column provides the
number of evenly spaced samples from the lower bound LB to the upper bound UB that will be generated.
The finalized definition of the matrix modulus E is shown in Figure 11. All other micro-phase properties
are deterministic and unchanged from the stochastic forward analysis.
Phase 1
Parameter E; Value=1.0, Sample on=checked, N. Samples=100, LB=0.75, UB=1.25
Figure 11: Linear Material Definition for Stochastic Inverse Analysis

We assume that we know the distribution of the macro homogenized modulus Ex as a normal distribution
whose mean=3.70 and standard deviation=0.07 (as was determined from the forward analysis). Input the
distribution into Multiscale Designer, under the Unit Cell tab check Ex to enable the input list box on the
right section. Fill in the parameters of the Normal Distribution, select Normal Distribution from the
dropdown menu and fill in the Mean Value MV and Standard Deviation DTD as mentioned above. Set the
Number of Intervals to 20 which defines the number of intervals to discretize the continuous distribution
as shown in Figure 12.
Figure 12: Macro Homogenized Ex Distribution Input
Run
For this example, we will skip the laminate section. Click the Run… button to start the stochastic linear
characterization inverse analysis. The progress of the stochastic run can be monitored in the Backend
Program window as shown in Figure 13. Note, only 1 CPU can be used in the current release, CPU 0. After
the stochastic run completes, Close the Backend Program window.
Figure 13: Stochastic Backend Program Progress – Inverse Analysis
Click Excel… button to view the MDS Stochastic Analysis Result in Microsoft Excel window as shown in
Figure 14. The sheets’ names at the bottom are the active micro-phase properties’ names, whose
distribution information is being solved for within an inverse analysis. By selecting an active micro-
phase property, the excel window shows the detailed distribution data and figure. In contrast to the
stochastic forward analysis where convergence is achieved as the number of samples increases, in a
stochastic inverse analysis convergence is achieved as both the number of samples and the number of
intervals in the experimental probability distribution function increases. Care should be taken to ensure
that the N. Samples and micro-phase property bounds (LB and UB) are selected such that the range of
observed values is adequately covered. Multiscale Designer provides details pertaining to how well the
sampling has covered the output space in the file
[UserDir]\Tutorial2\Stochastic\Tutorial2_outputSpaceSummary.dat.
An empty cell in the results is defined as an interval in the output space which is not associated with any
simulated sample. Empty cells do not contribute to the computation and therefore if there are many
empty cells, or if the probability of the empty cells is large, the results are likely inaccurate. In the case
of inaccurate results, the user may need to increase N. Samples, adjust the micro-phase property
bounds (LB and UB), or both.
Figure 14: Stochastic Analysis Results Window – Inverse Analysis
Figure 15: Stochastic Linear Inverse Analysis Results in Microsoft Excel
The results show a Mean Value MV = 1.0 and a Standard Deviation STD = 0.1, which is exactly the
distribution from the forward analysis.
Linear and Nonlinear Material Characterization

In the Stochastic Region of Multiscale Designer Main Window, click Full Material Characterization button
to bring up the Stochastics Linear and Nonlinear Analysis window. A stochastic linear and nonlinear
analysis requires a Linear Setup, which covers Unit Cell Model Definition Step and Linear Material
Characterization Step; and a Nonlinear Setup, which covers Reduced Order Model Computation and
Nonlinear Material Characterization Step and Macro Simulations Step. All steps have direct analogies to
their deterministic Mechanical analysis counterparts. The Linear Setup is shown in Figure 16 and the
Nonlinear Setup is shown in Figure 17.
Figure 16: Stochastic Linear and Nonlinear Analysis - Forward Analysis – Linear Setup
Figure 17: Stochastic Linear and Nonlinear Analysis - Forward Analysis – Nonlinear Setup
Forward Analysis
In this part of the tutorial we will demonstrate how variability of the matrix damage initiation strength in
tension 0 affects the variability of the macro homogenized strength of a [90] unnotched tension (UNT)
specimen using a stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward analysis.
Sampling Methods
For this stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward analysis, we will use the Monte
Carlo sampling method by selecting Monte Carlo from the Sampling Method for Active Parameters drop-
down as shown in Figure 18.
Figure 18: Sampling Method Selection

Define the geometric and mesh parameters of the unit cell within the Unit Cell Model Definition frame
and as shown in Figure 19 and as detailed below.
Parametric Model
Model=Fibrous
Configuration=Square
 Fiber Volume Fraction=30.0; Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Meshing Control > Element Type
Meshing Control > Adaptive
 Geometric Tolerance (%)=1

 Max Iterations=5
 Element Size Bounds=unchecked
Figure 19: Unit Cell Geometric Definition

Define the micro-phase linear material properties within the Linear Material Characterization frame as
shown in Figure 20. The difference between a deterministic analysis and stochastic analysis is that in a
deterministic analysis every material property is fixed; while in a stochastic analysis, material properties
introduce variability into the property definitions. In the following, all micro-phase linear material
properties are deterministic.
Phase 1
Parameter E; Value=1.0, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter ; Value=10, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Phase 2
Parameter E; Value=10, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter E; Value=10, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Parameter ; Value=1, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Figure 20: Linear Material Definition
Laminate
Define a laminate by checking the Laminate box.
Layups=1; Layup Type=General Laminate
Layup 1
Plies=1
Then, switch to the Nonlinear Setup by clicking the button as shown in Figure 21.
Figure 21: Linear and Nonlinear Setup Switch
Nonlinear Material Characterization

In this part of the tutorial we will demonstrate how variability of the matrix damage initiation strength in
tension 0 affects the variability of the macro homogenized strength of a [90] tension specimen using a
stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward analysis. Therefore, the matrix damage
initiation strength 0 will need to be defined with a normal distribution as shown in Figure 23 and detailed
below. All other matrix nonlinear properties are deterministic. In addition, the fiber is still defined as
None (Keep Elastic) and therefore has no nonlinear properties as it never “fails” (i.e. Keep Elastic).
Phase 1
Name=matrix, Symmetry Type=Isotropic
Damage Law=Isotropic Damage - Bilinear
 Damage Initiation Strength in Tension; 0=0.01, Active=checked, N. Samples=50,

Distribution=Normal, Para 1 (Mean)=0.01, Para 2 (STD)=0.0008
 Final Failure Strain in Tension; 1=0.0125, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
 Damage Initiation Strength in Compression; 0_C=0.01, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
 Final Failure Strain in Compression; 1_C=0.0125, Active=unchecked (Deterministic Value)
Phase 2
Name=fiber, Symmetry Type=Isotropic
Damage Law=None (Keep Elastic)
Figure 23: Stochastic Nonlinear Material Definition – Matrix Phase
Macro Simulation
Define a [90] unnotched tension (UNT) macro simulation within the Macro Simulation Step frame. The
maximum strain equal is 0.02, no thermal residual, and the minimum number of mechanical increments
equal to 100. In addition, the Test Time is set to 1.0s, and then the loading rate for each test will be set
to 0.02/sec. Most Implicit simulations (of which this is) are normalized to 1sec. To be exact we are running
an implicit multiscale simulation.
Sim 1
 Model=UNT/C
 Name=Sim_1
 Layup ID=1 [90]
 Minimum Thermal Increaments=0 (no thermal)
Figure 24: Stochastic Macro Simulation Definition – [90] Tension
Solution Control
Finally, we’ll finish the definition of the Implicit Multiscale Simulations by defining Solution Control
parameters for the Implicit FEA Multiscale Solver built into Multiscale Designer within the Solution
Control frame. Typically, all values should be left at their default values.
Viscous Stabilization=checked, Damping Parameter=0.0001 (default = 1.0e-4 * total time)
Load Loss Auto Stop (%)=20
Number of Threads=select
Figure 25: Stochastic Macro Simulation Definition – [90] Tension
Run
Click the Run… button to start the stochastic linear and nonlinear material characterization forward
analysis. The progress of the simulation can be monitored in the Backend Program window as shown in
Figure 26. Note, only 1 CPU can be used in the current release, CPU 0. After the run completes, Close the
Backend Program window.
Figure 26: Stochastic Backend Program Progress – Forward Analysis
Click Results… button to view the MDS Stochastic Analysis Result window as shown in Figure 27. The left
table of the stochastic analysis result window lists the simulations for which distribution information is
available from the stochastic linear and nonlinear characterization forward analysis. By clicking on a
simulation, the right top table populates with an overview of the forward analysis distribution results.
Clicking on the distribution overview will populate the right lower table with the detailed forward analysis
distribution results.
Figure 27: Stochastic Analysis Results Window – Forward Analysis
You can also export these results to Microsoft Excel by clicking the Export Probability to Excel… button.
Figures 28 and 29 shows the Probability Density Function and Cumulative Distribution Function as
exported to Microsoft Excel.
Figure 28: Probability Distribution Function in Microsoft Excel
Figure 29: Cumulative Distribution Function in Microsoft Excel
The results show a Mean Value MV = 0.01174 and a Standard Deviation STD = 0.000845 with a
B-basis value = 0.01036.
Click Close on the MDS Stochastic Analysis Result window.
Click Exit on the Multiscale Designer main window to complete the tutorial.
References
1 Z. Yuan and J. Fish, “Towards Realization of Computational Homogenization in Practice,” Journal for Numerical
Methods in Engineering, Vol. 73, Issue 3, pp. 361-380 (2008)
2 “Computational Inelasticity”, J.C. Simo, T. J. R. Hughes, Springer, 1998.
3 “Strain- and Stress-Based Continuum Damage Models – I. Formulation”, J. C. Simo and J. W. Ju, Int. J. Solids
Structures, Vol. 23, No. 7, pp. 821-840, 1987.
4 “Strain- and Stress-Based Continuum Damage Models – II. Computational Aspects”, J. C. Simo and J. W. Ju, Int. J.
Solids Structures, Vol. 23, No. 7, pp. 841-869, 1987.
5 J.C. Simo and T.J.R. Hughes, “Computational Inelasticity”, Springer Verlag, 1998
6 J.C. Simo and R.L. Taylor, “Consistent Tangent Operators for Rate-Independent Elastoplasticity”, Comp. Meth. In
Appl. Mech. And Eng. 48 (1985) 101-118
7 Cernocky, E. P., and Krempl, E. 1979, “A Nonlinear Uniaxial Integral Consti- tutive Equation Incorporating Rate
Effects, Creep and Relaxation,” Int. J. Non- Linear Mech., 14, pp. 183–203.
8 A. J. W. McClung and M. B. Ruggles-Wrenn, “Strain Rate Dependence and Short-Term Relaxation Behavior of a
Thermoset Polymer at Elevated Temperature: Experiment and Modeling”, Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology,
Vol. 131, 031405, 2009.

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