Mini-symposium S1

S1: Computational Methods for Highly Deformable Materials in Multiphysics Problems

Co-chairs: 

Paulo R. Refachinho de Campos (Dassault Systèmes)* 

Deepak George (Swansea University) 

Keywords: Nonlinear large deformations; Soft materials; Multiphysics simulations

ABSTRACT

Soft materials such as elastomers, gels, and biological tissues are characterised by low shear modulus and an ability to undergo large, often reversible deformations. These unique properties underpin emerging technologies in soft robotics, stretchable electronics, renewable energy generation, and biomedical engineering but also raise major modelling challenges. Applications involving highly deformable materials may exhibit strong nonlinearities, multiphysics coupling, phase change, strong anisotropy, and complex fracture mechanisms, which require advanced computational strategies beyond conventional methods.

This mini-symposium aims to bring together contributions on state-of-the-art computational methods for soft and highly deformable materials, including finite element, meshfree, particle-based, phase-field, and data-driven approaches. Emphasis is placed on algorithmic robustness, predictive accuracy, and efficiency on modern high-performance computing platforms, as well as validation against experimental benchmarks. Recent advances, such as Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian smoothed particle hydrodynamics for nonlinear solid dynamics [1] and phase field formulations for fracture of nearly incompressible hyperelastic materials [2], highlight the importance of computational innovation in this field. The symposium will provide a platform to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and accelerate progress in modelling highly deformable materials across engineering and scientific applications. Academic and industrial applications are equally welcome.

REFERENCES

[1] C. Hean Lee, A. J. Gil, P. R. Refachinho de Campos, et al., “A novel Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics algorithm for nonlinear solid dynamics”, CMAME, Vol. 427, pp. 117055, (2024).

[2] D. George, S. Konica, I. Masters, et al., “A phase field formulation for modelling fracture of nearly incompressible hyperelastic materials”, CMAME, Vol. 436, pp. 117696, (2025).