Multiscale methods in computational mechanics

Abstract

Multiscale methods are quickly becoming a new paradigm in many branches of science and engineering. This includes computational engineering, and to underline the growing importance of the subject the Editors of the International Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering have decided to publish a Special Issue on Multiscale Computational Methods with 13 carefully selected papers by leading experts in the field. As alluded to above, multiscale computational engineering comprises a vast, and quickly growing field. It encompasses a variety of computational techniques, and the present issue is a clear testimony thereof, since the contributions range from Molecular Dynamics to Multiscale Finite Element Methods, and to Computational Homogenization. Surface effects also need to be mentioned, as their importance grows markedly when going to smaller scales. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.