Strategies for the assessment of nanocomposite mechanical properties

The assessment of nanocomposite mechanical properties is a challenging task. Due to their hierarchical structure, which spans from nano to macro length-scales, a different way of thinking from traditional approaches is needed to account for the characteristic phenomena of each length-scale and bridge their effects from the smaller scale to the macroscale. In the present work, some important issues of nanocomposite modelling are discussed. Then, a classification of the available modelling strategies is proposed, according to the scale from which the problem is addressed. This comprehensive analysis is thought as a necessary tool for the development of new effective approaches.