Fast fourier transform-based modeling for the determination of micromechanical fields in polycrystals

Emerging characterization methods in experimental mechanics pose a challenge to modelers to devise efficient formulations that permit interpretation and exploitation of the massive amount of data generated by these novel methods. In this overview we report on a numerical formulation based on fast Fourier transforms, developed over the last 15 years, which can use the voxelized microstructural images of heterogeneous materials as input to predict their micromechanical and effective response. The focus of this presentation is on applications of the method to plastically-deforming polycrystalline materials.