Maximum norm wellposedness of nonlinear kinematic hardening models

The Chaboche model represents a widely popular rate independent elastoplastic stress-strain law of nonlinear kinematic hardening type. We consider it as a special case of a certain system of ordinary differential equations coupled to a hysteresis nonlinearity which expresses the principle of maximal dissipation of energy. For this system, we prove wellposedness with respect to the maximum norm, that is, continuous dependence of the stress on the strain (or vice versa) with respect to perturbations of small amplitude. Received: May 15, 1997; accepted: September 7, 1997