Viscoplasticity based on an additive split of the conjugated forces (Q1286043)

The paper contains a systematic presentation of a generalized theory of viscoplasticity based on an additive decomposition of the thermodynamic conjugated forces entering the dissipation inequality. By considering additional potential functions depending on conjugate forces, the authors also develop a generalized theory of non-associative viscoplasticity. This new approach succeeds in unifying some theories of viscoplasticity and seems to open new ways to describe the behaviour of viscoplastic materials. Here, we only mention that the Duvaut-Lions model of viscoplastic materials, some other models allowing a larger freedom of directions of viscoplastic strain rate, and the case of viscoplastic corner loading are shown to be included in the framework of the proposed theory. By taking Tresca criterion as the yield criterion, the authors use some specific models to illustrate the obtained results. To emphasize the basic ideas of this interesting and well-written paper, we write out the titles of its sections: Introduction; Thermodynamic basis; Evolution laws; Generalized Duvaut-Lions formulation; Other formulations; Multiple yield and potential functions; Generalized Duvaut-Lions formulation at a corner; Applications to some specific models; Duvaut-Lions model; Two-potential model; Conclusions.