Abstract
This paper compares and evaluates strain-gradient extensions of the conventional plasticity theory. Attention is focused on the ability of individual formulations to act as localization limiters, i.e., to regularize the boundary value problem in the presence of softening and to prevent localization of plastic strain increments into a set of zero measure. To keep the presentation simple and to highlight the essential properties of the investigated models, only the static, rate-independent response in the small-strain range and in the one-dimensional setting is considered. These restrictions permit an analytical or semi-analytical treatment of the problem, while the basic characteristics of the solutions remain valid in the general, multi-dimensional case. The onset of localization is characterized as a bifurcation from a uniform state. The subsequent evolution of the localized process zone and of the shape of the strain profile is studied numerically. It is shown that certain pathologies, e.g., expansion of the plastic region accompanied by stress locking, may arise at later stages of localization. A similar analysis of models with gradients of internal variables is presented in a companion paper.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.