This paper presents the concep t of using a represe ntative volume element (RVE) in a multiscale approach
to predict the macroscopic stress–strain behaviour of a cast SS316L specimen under tension up to the
point prior to necking. RVE models with various micro-void spatial configurations were built, and the
effects of micro-voids and strain rate on the material properties (e.g., yield stren gth, ultimate tensile
strength (UTS), ultimate tensile strain and strain har dening coefficient) were analysed. The spatial configuration of the micro-voids inside the cast SS316L specimen was acquired by the X-ray CT scanning system and each micro-void in the gauge length part was converted into a matching RVE model in the finite
element (FE) analysis. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effect of
RVE configurations, i.e., the size of the RVE and the shape and spatial location of the micro-voids, on
the material properties (yield strength and UTS) of the cast SS316L specimen at the macroscop ic level,
and then the optimal levels of the RVE configuration were determined. The stress–strain curve from
the simulation did show a good agreement w ith the experimental results and hence the proposed concept was verified.