Strain energy density failure criterion (Q5945364)

Starting from Clausius-Duhem inequality in which the free energy depends on elastic and plastic strains, temperature, damage tensor and plastic internal variables, the author derives an intrinsic general dissipative energy density leading to a failure criterion described by the critical value of elastic strain energy density. In the case of brittle fracture, when the influence of dissipation is negligible, the author obtains the maximal normal stress criterion, von Mises criterion, and hydrostatic tensile fracture criterion. Further, the analysis accounts for ductile materials and furnishes a plastic failure criterion and also a damage criterion. In the case of a dissipative limit surface, several other criteria are derived. An application to beams illustrates the theory. Finally, the author discusses some connections with general fracture mechanics, stressing the synthetic character of the paper.