Two-scale analysis of transient diffusion problems through a homogenized enriched continuum (Q2035180)

The authors develop a numerical homogenization method for the enriched continuum. The method is applied to the solution of a heterogeneous diffusion initial-boundary value problem with micro-structural transient effects. At the macro-scale, the balance law, the ordinary differential equations and the macroscopic constitutive equations collectively represent an enriched continuum description. Examining different discretization techniques, distinct solution methods are presented for the macro-scale enriched continuum. Proof-of-principle examples are solved for a mass diffusion system in which species diffuse slower in the inclusion than in the matrix. The results from the enriched continuum formulation are compared with the computational transient homogenization and direct numerical simulations. Without compromising the solution accuracy, significant computational gains are obtained through the enriched continuum approach.