Micromechanics of Hierarchical Materials: Modeling and Perspectives

Hierarchical materials represent a new, promising direction of the materials development, inspired by biological materials and allowing the creation of multiscale materials design and multiple functionalities and achieving extraordinary material properties. In this article, a short overview of possible applications and perspectives on hierarchical materials is given. Several examples of the modeling of strength and damage in hierarchical materials are summarized. The main areas of research in micromechanics of hierarchical materials are identified, among them, the investigations of the effects of load redistribution between reinforcing elements at different scale levels, possibilities to control different material properties and to ensure synergy of strengthening effects at different scale levels and using the nanoreinforcement effects.