Materials simulation

Material simulation helps to model load scenarios and processes for existing and yet-to-be-developed materials and components on the computer, and to develop and improve these materials to suit their intended use. The atomic, molecular or crystalline microstructure of the material can be incorporated in simulations that will yield accurate predictions, depending on the requirements to be met. The present and future challenges are to comprehend more soundly the response of materials to the manifold loads and environments they are subject to. Better materials models, more accurate numerical methods and linking of different simulation methods are required. The article depicts principles, applications and trends of materials simulation.