Local probabilistic homogenization schemes for assesment of material uncertainties in solid foams

The present study is concerned with a numerical scheme for prediction of the effective properties of solid foams considering their uncertainty. The approach is based on an analysis of a large-scale, statistically representative volume element which is subdivided into small-scale testing volume elements. Application of a standard homogenization scheme to the testing volume elements together with a stochastic evaluation yields a complete probabilistic characterization of the material which may be used for a random field definition of the material behaviour in a macroscopic effective field analysis of foam structures.