On unification, uniqueness and numerical analysis in plasticity

Abstract

This paper addresses various aspects of a theory of multiple-mode plastic straining which unifies constitutive equations of macroscopic solids and single crystals (for both strain-hardening and strain-softening behavior). Emphasis is given to the determination of minimal criteria for uniqueness of solution to incremental boundary value problems based upon the general theory. It is established that these criteria are sufficient to assure convergence of the finite element method in such problems.