A case study on the influence of multiscale modelling in design and structural analysis

The current paper discusses the role of multi-scale modelling within the context of design and structural analysis. Depending on the level of detail, a design model may retain, lose or enhance key information. The term multi-scale refers to the break-down of a design and analysis task into multiple levels of detail and the transfer of this information between models. Focusing on the influence that different models have on the analysed performance of the structure, the paper will discuss the advantages and trade-offs of coupling multiple levels of abstraction in terms of design and structure.

To illustrate the concept of multi-scale modelling, the prototype of a bridge structure that was realised making use of this information transfer between models will be presented. The prototype primarily takes advantage of the geometric and material stiffening effect of incremental metal forming. The local
features of the formed panels guarantee a proper load transfer between the elements, otherwise impossible to achieve in the planar, underfomed state of the aluminium panels. In terms of structural analysis, each successive level of detail dramatically increases the computational effort required to assess the performance of the structure. By adopting the multi-scale modelling approach, the level of model refinement can be adapted to the requirements of the analysis and therefore relieve the simulation complexity especially in the early stages of design.