Deformation analysis for finite elastic-plastic strains in a Lagrangian- type description (Q1309520)

The kinematics and the associated constitutive model for arbitrarily large elastic and large plastic strains are presented. Assuming the multiplicative decomposition of the deformation gradient, the exact kinematics of a finite, noncoaxial deformation is considered and a decomposition of the total stretch into a plastic and back-rotated elastic stretch is determined. The exact kinematics of two superposed finite elastic-plastic deformations is considered. The stretch of the second, superposed deformation is decomposed into elastic and plastic parts referred to a back-rotated first deformation. The superposed deformation is constrained to consist only of moderately large elastic- plastic strains and unrestricted rotations. The Lagrangian logarithmic (Hencky) strain tensor and the objective rates of the elastic and plastic constitutive logarithmic strain tensors are used to formulate appropriate constitutive equations for isotropic-hyperelastic material behavior and associated plastic flow rule for combined isotropic-kinematic hardening. The principle of virtual work is formulated and the tangent stiffness matrix for a finite element procedure is presented. This is an interesting and useful paper. Inclusion of applications of the proposed methodology to some practical problem(s) would have enhanced its utility for the analysts/designers.