Constitutive parameter sensitivity in elasto-plasticity

Abstract

The paper presents equations and algorithms for numerical computation of elasto-plastic and elasto-viscoplastic constitutive parameter sensitivity problems. The general integration idea is based on the return-mapping algorithm. Two viscoplastic constitutive models are discussed in details: the overstress (Perzyna) model and the power law strain and strain-rate hardening model. The use of the consistent tangent operator is shown to be essential for the accuracy of the sensitivity analysis. A possible discontinuity of sensitivity at the transition (yield limit) point is discussed. It is concluded that in principle the nonuniqueness of the sensitivity solutions at such points does not invalidate the general idea of sensitivity calculations. A number of numerical examples illustrate the theoretical considerations.