Elastic behaviour of a regular lattice for meso-scale modelling of solids

A modelling strategy is proposed to link the meso-scale mechanical response of a solid material to the macroscopic material behaviour. The model is based on a regular lattice of truncated octahedral cells, with sites at the cell centres linked by two sets of bonds. The relationship between the macroscopic elastic behaviour of the model and the elastic properties of the bonds is studied numerically. The results demonstrate that, in contrast to previously proposed lattice arrangements, any elastic properties of metallic or cementitious materials can be obtained by appropriate selection of the axial and the shear stiffness of the bonds. Discussion of the modelling approach includes the potential of the site-bond model to simulate the evolution of damage driven not only by mechanical deformation but also by processes that involve the interaction of different mechanisms.