Applications of tensor functions to the formulation of yield criteria for anisotropic materials (Q1094180)

Yielding of anisotropic materials can be characterized by yield criteria which are scalar-valued functions of the stress tensor and of material tensors, for instance, of rank two or four, characterizing the anisotropic properties of the material. Because of the requirement of invariance, a yield criterion can be expressed as a single-valued function of the integrity basis. In finding an integrity basis involving the stress tensor and material tensors, the constitutive equations are first formulated based on the tensor function theory. Since the plastic work characterizes the yield process, we read from this scalar expression the essential invariants to formulate a yield criterion. Some examples for practical use are discussed in detail.