A continuum theory for solids containing microdefects (Q2366905)

A micromechanics-based continuum theory is presented. An additional field variable (interaction field) is introduced to preserve information on the interaction effects among microdefects, by considering the evolution of microcracks as deformation proceeds. The presented formulation is carried out for the behaviour of rocks under compressive stresses. The numerical results show that the interaction field theory proposed in the paper can predict localization phenomena, the softening behaviour, as well as the transition from shear failure model to the axial splitting model, observed when the confining pressure is decreased. On the other hand, the numerical examples illustrate the difference between the proposed theory and the phenomenological continuum damage mechanics.