Multi-scale simulation – from the atom to the component in operation 

Simulating material properties comprising all a component's scales ranging from atomic structure to mesoscopic properties based upon crystal structures to the finished macroscopic component will be revolutionizing materials sciences in the next two decades. 

Greater computer performance will enable simulation tools to add to the classical experimental and numerical engineering methods to advance modelling and customized material design over wide length and time scales. Fraunhofer has put selected demonstrators on their research agenda for multiscale materials modelling. 

We are targeting being the first in the world to demonstrate the feasibility of coherent material modelling for all relevant length and time scales. This ambitious and highly interdisciplinary project focuses on devising numerical tools (i. e., MMM tools) for allowing integrated utilization of simulation techniques previously separated in terms of length and time scales. 

The expertise accumulated by the synergies from various institutes in this project will then be applied for the first time in the three demonstrators for polymer adhesive layers, sintered materials and boundary layer phenomena with amorphous hydrocarbons layers. The lead research in this project will position the Fraunhofer Material and Components Group and the other institutes involved to take the scientific and strategic lead in material simulation in Europe in the medium term. That will give it a stand-alone feature on the market.