Wavelet-based analysis of multiscale phenomena: application to material porosity and identification of dominant scales

The paper presents a general process that utilizes wavelet analysis in order to link information on material properties at several scales. In the particular application addressed analytically and numerically, multiscale porosity is the source of material structure or heterogeneity, and the wavelet-based analysis of multiscale information shows clearly its role on properties such as resistance to mechanical failure. Furthermore, through the statistical properties of the heterogeneity at a hierarchy of scales, the process clearly identifies a dominant scale or range of scales. Special attention is paid to porosity appearing at two distinct scales far apart from each other since this demonstrates the process in a lucid fashion. Finally, the paper suggests ways to extend the process to general multiscale phenomena, including time scaling. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.