Chapter 3 - Review of theoretical developments on the gradient-enhanced continuum plasticity

Abstract

Over the last three decades, a number of researchers have used the gradient-enhanced plasticity theory to model the microstructural material behavior, which is unable to be captured by the conventional plasticity theory, within the continuum-based framework. The central objective of this chapter is to provide an intensive review of the existing strain gradient continuum plasticity theory from the initial stage to the more recent research trends in terms of the theoretical investigations. In particular, an in-depth discussion of the following theories is presented: Aifantis theory; Fleck and Hutchinson theory; Gudmundson, Gurtin and Anand theory; implicit theory; mechanism-based theory; micromorphic approach; Voyiadjis theory; and so on.