  Homogenization is a technique for the analysis of complex materials by
replacing them with equivalent homogeneous materials that exhibit similar
properties. By constructing a three-dimensional (3D) porous material model and
employing homogenization technique, effective properties of the hydrogel pore
structure were calculated. It is found that the microstructure of hyperelastic
materials has considerable influence on their macroscopic mechanical
properties, pores with a radius of up to 65 microns at a small strain can
significantly reinforce material structure and improve its fatigue resistance.
This work highlights the potential of engineering pore structures for the
enhancement of mchanical properties and durability of hydrogels.
