Predicting the structural behaviour of fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs) demands modelling approaches that capture interactions across micro-, meso- and macro-scales. Single-scale analyses may describe selected aspects of FRC but typically fail to reflect the interacting mechanisms governing stiffness degradation, localised damage and progressive failure. These limitations become significant in high-performance applications, where even minor microstructuraldeviations or fibre–matrix imperfections may influence global load paths. Based on extensive experience with composite structures employed in aerospace, transportation or energy-sector applications, this study presents a coherent multiscale concept intended to address such complexities.
The aim is to develop an integrated methodology that links microstructural behaviour, ply-level damage processes and structural-scale response within a unified computational framework. The approach seeks to improve predictive reliability in stress-critical regions and to support optimisation of FRC components.
At the microscale, representative volume elements incorporating fibre waviness, voids, interfacial imperfections and residual thermal fields are analysed using finite-element micromechanics. Their homogenised properties inform mesoscale models describing ply architecture, matrix cracking and delamination. Macroscale behaviour is represented through anisotropic damage formulations and submodelling procedures that account for global boundary conditions and load redistribution. Bidirectional scale transitions are employed: microscale data guide higher-level analyses, while local refinement enables more detailed modelling in regions identified as critical in the structural solution.
Applications to representative FRC components demonstrate improved accuracy in predicting stiffness reduction, initiation of damage and post-critical behaviour. The multiscale transition strategy reflects microstructural influences more effectively than single-scale analyses, particularly in zones affected by geometric or manufacturing-related imperfections.
The proposed framework provides researchers and practising engineers with a systematic means to relate small-scale mechanisms to structural performance. By strengthening the physical basis of simulations and enhancing confidence in failure assessment, it supports more robust design and evaluation of advanced composite structures.