Nonuniform transformation field analysis (Q1434655)

An approximate model for describing the overall hardening of elastoplastic or elastoviscoplastic composites has been described. This can be done numerically by simulating the plastic fields which develop at the microscopic level under well-chosen loadings. The authors derive constitutive equations for generalized components of plastic strains in uncoupled or coupled form. Comparisons with numerical simulations show that the coupled model is more accurate.