Multifield continuum modelling for materials with lattice microstructure

The response of a composite material made of strong fibres embedded in a deformable matrix is investigated using a multiscale approach. At the microscopic level the body is described as a lattice system while at a the macroscopic level a multifield continuum is derived using a energy equivalence criterion. This approach provides a mechanically funded basis to build up equivalent continua endowed with the parameters suitable for describing different microstructures. Numerical analyses show the effectiveness of the multifield modelling with respect to the classical continuum modelling.