3. Generalities

This command is used to assign the material characteristics to the finite elements of the model (even if it is the mesh cells that are really affected). These material characteristics are defined in the materials that are affected on the meshes (keyword MATER). Each material contains a certain number of parameters (Young’s modulus, density, etc.). These parameters can be functions of some variables. We’ll call these variables « control variables. »

Currently, the command variables used are:

• the temperature,

• space,

• hydration,

• drying,

• metallurgical phases,

• irradiation,

• corrosion,

*…

All of these command variables should be assigned with the AFFE_MATERIAU command (AFFE_VARC keyword).

In the case of models with multi-fiber beams, it is also necessary to assign in this command the « behaviors » defined with the command DEFI_COMPOR/MULTI_FIBRE [U4.43.06].