Manfred Ulz

In my current research I am working on the efficient coupling of atomistic-on-continuum multiscale models in solid mechanics. A continuum consists (in theory) of an infinite number of material points and allows an efficient modelling at the expense of microscopic material phenomena. An atomistic model, on the other hand, describes a body through its atoms, but generally requires very long computing times. Another active field of research of mine is paper mechanics, in particular the modelling of the visco-elastic and visco-plastic behaviour of pulp fibres including swelling due to moisture. Although paper is a very old product, the bonding processes and material behavior of this pulp fibre network are poorly understood.