ENERCOMP Seminar Series
Direct FE2: A Practical Path to Multiscale and Multiphysics Simulation
Thursday, July 23rd, 2026
ABSTRACT
Concurrent multiscale simulation is increasingly relevant to the inspection, non-destructive testing, and structural health monitoring of non-metallic structures because the response of composites, porous media, and other heterogeneous systems is governed by interactions across multiple length scales. Current computational homogenization methods are powerful, but their practical use often remains concentrated among specialists in multiscale modelling and researchers developing the method itself, which limits access for engineers and scientists who need multiscale simulation capabilities in real applications. Direct FE2 addresses this gap by embedding macro- and microscale analyses into a single finite element framework that can be implemented in commercial FE software without user-defined subroutines, making multiscale—and even multiphysics—simulations accessible to users of commercial codes with only basic finite element knowledge.
This talk will introduce the theory behind the Direct FE2 method and illustrate its use through a range of application examples, highlighting how it can support more practical and widely usable multiscale analysis for heterogeneous structures.
About the speaker
Vincent Tan is an Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore and Director of Temasek Laboratories@NUS. His research focuses on multiscale methods and the mechanics of composite materials. In composites, his work spans progressive failure modelling, non-destructive testing, impact testing, design optimisation, and computational homogenisation.
His recent research has advanced a multiscale and multiphysics modelling framework that is both computationally efficient and accessible to non-expert users of commercial finite element software. This work has successfully bridged advanced homogenisation methods with practical engineering applications.
In addition to his research and leadership roles, Vincent Tan serves on the editorial boards of several international journals, including Composites Part B and Mechanics of Materials, where he is an Associate Editor.