MULTICUBED: Multiscale-multiphysics simulation of food processing

Following a review of multiscale simulation methodology, and previous examples of multiscale models from food science, we present our multiscale simulation framework MULTI3 (MULTICUBED), which is developed especially with food structuring processes in mind. This framework acknowledges the multiphase, multiphysics and multiscale nature of food structuring. The MULTICUBED framework assumes models at three scales: the molecular microscale, the mesoscale of the food structure, and the macroscale of food products and processing equipment. We propose the appropriate simulation methods for the various scales, and also discuss the required coupling between the scales in our framework. From our literature review we propagate the use of the Scale Separation Map as a tool to determine the required type of coupling between scales. Furthermore, we present a decision tree to aid the food science modeller choosing the right type of coupling between scales.

Automated summary

This paper presents a multiscale simulation framework called MULTI3 (MULTICUBED) developed for food structuring processes. The framework considers the multiphase, multiphysics, and multiscale nature of food structuring, with models at the molecular microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale. It proposes appropriate simulation methods for each scale and discusses the required coupling between scales. The use of Scale Separation Map as a tool to determine coupling types and a decision tree for choosing coupling types are also introduced.