Analysis of material instabilities in inelastic solids by incremental energy minimization and relaxation methods: evolving deformation microstructures in finite plasticity

We propose an approach to the definition and analysis of material instabilities in rate-independent standard dissipative solids at finite strains based on finite-step-sized incremental energy minimization principles. The point of departure is a recently developed constitutive minimization principle for standard dissipative materials that optimizes a generalized incremental work function with respect to the internal variables. In an incremental setting at finite time steps this variational problem defines a quasi-hyperelastic stress potential. The existence of this potential allows to be recast a typical incremental boundary-value problem of quasi-static inelasticity into a principle of minimum incremental energy for standard dissipative solids. Mathematical existence theorems for sufficiently regular minimizers then induce a definition of the material stability of the inelastic material response in terms of the sequentially weakly lower semicontinuity of the incremental variational functional. As a consequence, the incremental material stability of standard dissipative solids may be defined in terms of the quasi-convexity or the rank-one convexity of the incremental stress potential. This global definition includes the classical local Hadamard condition but is more general. Furthermore, the variational setting opens up the possibility to analyze the post-critical development of deformation microstructures in non-stable inelastic materials based on energy relaxation methods. We outline minimization principles of quasi- and rank-one convexifications of incremental non-convex stress potentials for standard dissipative solids. The general concepts are applied to the analysis of evolving deformation microstructures in single-slip plasticity. For this canonical model problem, we outline details of the constitutive variational formulation and develop numerical and semi-analytical solution methods for a first-level rank-one convexification. A set of representative numerical investigations analyze the development of deformation microstructures in the form of rank-one laminates in single slip plasticity for homogeneous macro-deformation modes as well as inhomogeneous macroscopic boundary-value problems. The well-posedness of the relaxed variational formulation is indicated by an independence of typical finite element solutions on the mesh-size.     

一类Signorini问题的边界变分不等式

本文讨论了一类简化的Signorini问题。首先将原问题和一个边值问题建立联系，其次将原问题的解分解为不带不等边界条件的变分方程的解和一个变分不等式的解。然后利用边值问题的边界积分方程将变分不等式等价地化解为边界变分不等式。这样原求区域上的第一类椭圆变分不等式问题化解为求一个区域上的变分方程和一个边界变分不等式。最后说明了边界变分不等式解的存在唯一性。文末计算了柱面和半无限刚性基础的摩擦接触问题。结论表明文中方法具有较好的精度。     

Boundary mixed variational inequality in friction problem

IntroductionThestaticffichonProblemdiscussedinthespaperisakindofnonlinearunilateralboundalvaluePIDbleth.Itiswell-knownthatordinarylinearelliphcboundaryvalueProblemoftencormspondstOCertainlinearvariahonalequahon,theexistenceanduniquenessofitssolutioncanbeobtainedbyusingthein-MilgramtheoremorBabuskatheorem.HoweverthisunilateralboundalvallueProblemcormSPOndstoakindof"dxedvariahonalinequality['J.Sinceitcontainsthenonlinearindifferentialfunchonal,theusuallinearizationmethodsareuseless.Thereby…     

A unified residual-based thermodynamic framework for strain gradient theories of plasticity

A unified thermodynamic framework for gradient plasticity theories in small deformations is provided, which is able to accommodate (almost) all existing strain gradient plasticity theories. The concept of energy residual (the long range power density transferred to the generic particle from the surrounding material and locally spent to sustain some extra plastic power) plays a crucial role. An energy balance principle for the extra plastic power leads to a representation formula of the energy residual in terms of a long range stress, typically of the third order, a macroscopic counterpart of the micro-forces acting on the GNDs (Geometrically Necessary Dislocations). The insulation condition (implying that no long range energy interactions are allowed between the body and the exterior environment) is used to derive the higher order boundary conditions, as well as to ascertain a principle of the plastic power redistribution in which the energy residual plays the role of redistributor and guarantees that the actual plastic dissipation satisfies the second thermodynamics principle. The (nonlocal) Clausius-Duhem inequality, into which the long range stress enters aside the Cauchy stress, is used to derive the thermodynamic restrictions on the constitutive equations, which include the state equations and the dissipation inequality. Consistent with the latter inequality, the evolution laws are formulated for rate-independent models. These are shown to exhibit multiple size effects, namely (energetic) size effects on the hardening rate, as well as combined (dissipative) size effects on both the yield strength (intrinsic resistance to the onset of plastic strain) and the flow strength (resistance exhibited during plastic flow). A friction analogy is proposed as an aid for a better understanding of these two kinds of strengthening effects. The relevant boundary-value rate problem is addressed, for which a solution uniqueness theorem and a minimum variational principle are provided. Comparisons with other existing gradient theories are presented. The dissipation redistribution mechanism is illustrated by means of a simple shear model.     

Second-order bifurcation in elastic-plastic solidS

Second-order rate constitutive equations are formulated for a time-independent elastic-plastic material, obeying the normality flow rule with a smooth yield surface. Under specified regularity restrictions imposed on the involved fields, the regular second-order rate boundary value problem with quasistatic accelerations as unknowns is posed. It is shown that every solution of this generally non-linear rate problem is governed by a variational principle and that the corresponding functional reaches a strict absolute minimum, provided the solution satisfies a sufficient uniqueness condition. With the same incrementally linear comparison solid, Hill's exclusion condition rules out not only a first- but also a second-order bifurcation. The criticality of the exclusion condition is discussed and conditions are indicated under which a second-order bifurcation becomes possible, while the first-order rate problem is still uniquely solvable.     

On parametric minimum complementary energy variational principle in soil mechanics

The parametric minimum complementary energy variational principle is given in this paper. To the problems of nonassociative flow rule in the theory of plasticity, the Drucker postulation can no longer be applied and the classical variational principles fail, the parametric variation principles can play the role instead. The parametric variational principle can be used for the finite element solution with sequential quadratic programming method to soil mechanics problems.     

An incremental variational formulation of dissipative magnetostriction at the macroscopic continuum level

This paper outlines a new variational-based modeling and computational implementation of macroscopic continuum magneto-mechanics involving non-linear, inelastic material behavior, with a special focus on dissipative magnetostriction. It is based on a constitutive variational principle that optimizes a generalized incremental work function with respect to the internal state variables. In an incremental setting at finite time steps, this variational problem defines a quasi-hyper-magnetoelastic potential for the stresses and the magnetic induction, and incorporates energy storage as well as dissipative mechanisms. The existence of this potential further allows the incremental boundary-value problem of quasi-static inelastic magneto-mechanics to be recast into a principle of stationary incremental energy. The second focus of this paper is on the careful construction of the energy storage and dissipation functions for the model problem of hysteretic magnetostriction at the macroscopic level. It is then demonstrated that the proposed model is capable of predicting the ferromagnetic and field-induced strain hysteresis curves characteristic of magnetostrictive material response in good agreement with experiments. The numerical solution of the coupled non-linear boundary-value problem is based on a monolithic multi-field finite element implementation. As a consequence of the proposed incremental variational principle, the discretization of the multi-field problem appears in a compact symmetric format. In this sense, the proposed formulation provides a canonical framework for the simulation of boundary-value-problems in dissipative magnetostriction at the macro-level. The performance of the proposed algorithm is tested by application to relevant numerical examples.     

Plastic collapse in non-associated hardening materials with application to Cam-clay

This paper presents a variational formulation for the analysis of plastic collapse conditions for a class of hardening materials that accounts for some non-associated flow laws such as the modified Cam-clay model of soils. In this framework, classical statical and kinematical principles of limit analysis do not hold. The variational principle is formulated for the general class of materials whose flow equations are derived from a kind of generalized potentials named bipotentials by de Saxcé.The plastic collapse phenomenon for hardening materials is considered first and formulated as a system of equations. In particular, the case of the usual modified Cam-clay model is analyzed. The paper follows with the proposal of a minimization principle whose solution is then related to the solution of the plastic collapse problem. We demonstrate the use of this minimum principle in a simple example of triaxial compression of a modified Cam-clay material. Finally, we discuss the particular form of the proposed variational formulation for the case of associated plasticity.     

用有限元广义混合法分析不可压缩或几乎不可压缩弹性体

不可压缩或几乎不可压缩问题在数学上表现为最小 势能原理中的某些项趋于无穷大,使得有限元方程产生病态。本文给出了不可压缩或几乎不可压缩弹性分析的广义混合变分原理,以此为基础建立了该类问题的有限元广义混合法。该变分原理的泛函中不含有上面这种奇异项,故其有限元方程不会产生病态。算例表明该有限元法可以同时进行可压缩、不可压缩或几乎不可压缩弹性分析,且精度良好;有限元常规位移法及Hermann法是该法的特例。     

On invariance properties of an extended energy balance

Gradient plasticity theories are of utmost importance for accounting for size effects in metals, especially on the grain scale. Today, there are several methods used to derive the governing equations for the additional degrees of freedom in gradient plasticity theories. Here, the equivalence between an extended principle of virtual power and an extended energy balance is shown. The energy balance of a Boltzmann continuum is supplemented by contributions based on a scalar-valued degree of freedom. It is considered to be invariant with respect to a change of observer. This yields unambiguously the existence of a corresponding micro-stress vector, which is presumed from the outset in the context of an extended principle of virtual power. A thermodynamically consistent nonlocal evolution equation for the additional, scalar-valued degree of freedom is obtained by evaluation of the dissipation inequality in terms of the Clausius–Duhem inequality. Partitioning the nonlocal flow rule yields a partial differential equation, often referred to as micro-force balance. The approach presented is applied to derive a slip gradient crystal plasticity theory regarding single slip. Finally, the distribution of the plastic slip is exemplified with respect to a laminate material consisting of an elastic and an elastoplastic phase.     

刚塑性广义变分不等原理及其在平面应变分析中的应用

首先利用Lagrangian乘子法，从势能角度出发构造了考虑摩擦效应这一能导致变分不等形式的广义能量泛函，把一般的有条件的变分原理化为无条件的变分原理唯一确定，得出了各Lagrangian乘子所代表的物理意义。建立了刚塑性理论中的Coulomb摩擦约束的广义变分不等原理。而后基于退化的摩擦约束广义变分等式原理，对长矩形板镦粗进行了塑性加工工步分析，所得结果与经典上限法结果相吻合。     

On some general variational principles for creep with applications to thin shells

A constitutive relation for a viscous material subject to small strains but finite rotations is postulated and associated variational theorems are formulated. These are similar to the principle of minimum of potential energy and the Hellinger-Reissner theorem of an elastic solid. The derivation of strain-displacement relations for thin shells subject to small strains but moderately large rotations are given. On this basis a mixed variational principle for thin viscous shells is developed. For the problem of creep collapse of long cylindrical shells under external pressure it is demonstrated that the mixed variational principle may be advantageous compared to other variational theorems. A comparison with the creep collapse theory of Hoff et al. is given.     

Parametric variational solution of linear-quadratic optimal control problems with control inequality constraints

A parametric variational principle and the corresponding numerical algo- rithm are proposed to solve a linear-quadratic （LQ） optimal control problem with control inequality constraints. Based on the parametric variational principle, this control prob- lem is transformed into a set of Hamiltonian canonical equations coupled with the linear complementarity equations, which are solved by a linear complementarity solver in the discrete-time domain. The costate variable information is also evaluated by the proposed method. The parametric variational algorithm proposed in this paper is suitable for both time-invariant and time-varying systems. Two numerical examples are used to test the validity of the proposed method. The proposed algorithm is used to astrodynamics to solve a practical optimal control problem for rendezvousing spacecrafts with a finite low thrust. The numerical simulations show that the parametric variational algorithm is ef- fective for LQ optimal control problems with control inequality constraints.     

On the unilateral contact problem of structures with a non quadratic strain energy density

The analysis of structures with “unilateral contact” boundary conditions is considered. The stress-strain relations are nonlinear and they are derived from a non quadratic strain energy density by “subdifferentiation”. It is proved that for the inequality constrained boundary value problem the “principles” of virtual and of complementary virtual work hold in an inequality form constituting a variational inequality. The theorems of minimum potential and complementary energy are proved to be valid to account for this type of boundary conditions. These theorems are used to formulate the analysis as a nonlinear programming problem. A numerical example of a structure having the “unilateral contact” boundary condition illustrates the theory.     

New smooth gap function for box constrained variational inequalities

A new smooth gap function for the box constrained variational inequality problem(VIP) is proposed based on an integral global optimality condition.The smooth gap function is simple and has some good differentiable properties.The box constrained VIP can be reformulated as a differentiable optimization problem by the proposed smooth gap function.The conditions,under which any stationary point of the optimization problem is the solution to the box constrained VIP,are discussed.A simple frictional contact problem is analyzed to show the applications of the smooth gap function.Finally,the numerical experiments confirm the good theoretical properties of the method.     

Influence of frictional anisotropy on contacting surfaces during loading/unloading cycles

This paper presents numerical investigations on the loading and unloading of a three-dimensional body in frictional contact with a rigid foundation. The evolution of the sliding process during loading/unloading cycles is analyzed. The important case of anisotropy is examined along with the effect of the sliding rule. The solution algorithm is based on a variational inequality which combine the contact problem and the frictional problem. The numerical results of the punch problem show the hysteretic and irreversible behavior occurring when friction is anisotropic.     

耗散系统的虚功变分不等式及其应用

对于保守系统,能量变分原理为推导力学系统控制方程提供了简洁的途径.对于耗散系统,控制方程的建立往往需要引入经验的或理性的假定,增大了建模的难度.针对耗散系统,引入系统局部稳定的概念,并在此基础上,提出一类虚功变分不等式.这一不等式事实上揭示了耗散系统的一类虚功不等原理.该原理的物理含义为:使系统状态稳定的必要条件是,在该状态附近所有可能的虚拟路径上系统释放的势能不大于系统耗散的能量.研究表明:仅需结合虚功不等原理和能量守恒原理,即可导出准静态系统力学状态量的全部控制方程.作为应用,文章重新讨论了塑性力学,结合虚功不等原理与能量守恒原理,导出经典塑性力学的全部控制方程,并证明了经典的最大塑性耗散原理可以作为虚功不等原理的推论导出;同时,以Mohr-Coulomb强度准则为例,讨论了虚功不等原理在强度理论中的应用,说明基于应力的强度准则可以是基于能量的稳定性准则的推论.上述例子说明了虚功不等原理的广泛适用性和在建立耗散系统控制方程中的有效性.