A theory of strain-gradient plasticity for isotropic, plastically irrotational materials. Part II: Finite deformations

This paper generalizes to finite deformations our companion paper [Gurtin, M.E., Anand, L., 2004. A theory of strain-gradient plasticity for isotropic, plastically irrotational materials. Part I: Small deformations. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, submitted]. Specifically, we develop a gradient theory for finite-deformation isotropic viscoplasticity in the absence of plastic spin. The theory is based on the Kröner–Lee decomposition F = F^eF^p of the deformation gradient into elastic and plastic parts; a system of microstresses consistent with a microforce balance; a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via microstresses, work performed during viscoplastic flow; a constitutive theory that allows:

• the microstresses to depend on D^p, the gradient of the plastic stretching,

• the free energy ψ to depend on the Burgers tensor G = F^pCurlF^p.

The microforce balance when augmented by constitutive relations for the microstresses results in a nonlocal flow rule in the form of a tensorial second-order partial differential equation for F^p. The microstresses are strictly dissipative when ψ is independent of the Burgers tensor, but when ψ depends on G the microstresses are partially energetic, and this, in turn, leads to backstresses and (hence) Bauschinger-effects in the flow rule. The typical macroscopic boundary conditions are supplemented by nonstandard microscopic boundary conditions associated with viscoplastic flow, and, as an aid to numerical solution, a weak (virtual power) formulation of the nonlocal flow rule is derived. Finally, the dependences of the microstresses on D^p are shown, analytically, to result in strengthening and possibly weakening of the body induced by viscoplastic flow.     

A gradient theory of small-deformation isotropic plasticity that accounts for the Burgers vector and for dissipation due to plastic spin

This study develops a gradient theory of small-deformation viscoplasticity based on: a system of microforces consistent with its peculiar balance; a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microforces, work performed during viscoplastic flow; a constitutive theory that accounts for the Burgers vector through a free energy dependent on , with H^p the plastic part of the elastic-plastic decomposition of the displacement gradient. The microforce balance and the constitutive equations, restricted by the second law, are shown to be together equivalent to a nonlocal flow rule in the form of a coupled pair of second-order partial differential equations. The first of these is an equation for the plastic strain-rate in which the stress T plays a basic role; the second, which is independent of T, is an equation for the plastic spin. A consequence of this second equation is that the plastic spin vanishes identically when the free energy is independent of, but not generally otherwise. A formal discussion based on experience with other gradient theories suggests that sufficiently far from boundaries solutions should not differ appreciably from classical solutions, but close to microscopically hard boundaries, boundary layers characterized by a large Burgers vector and large plastic spin should form.Because of the nonlocal nature of the flow rule, the classical macroscopic boundary conditions need be supplemented by nonstandard boundary conditions associated with viscoplastic flow. As an aid to solution, a variational formulation of the flow rule is derived.Finally, we sketch a generalization of the theory that allows for isotropic hardening resulting from dissipative constitutive dependences on .     

The decomposition F = FeFp,material symmetry,and plastic irrotationality for solids that are isotropic-viscoplastic or amorphous

This study develops a general framework for discussing both isotropic-viscoplastic materials and amorphous materials. The framework, which allows for large deformations, is based on the Kröner–Lee decomposition of the deformation gradient into elastic and inelastic parts, a system of microforces consistent with its own balance, and a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microforces, work performed during inelastic flow. The constitutive theory allows for dependences on the elastic and inelastic parts of the deformation gradient and on the inelastic stretch-rate, but dependences on the inelastic spin are not included. The constitutive equation for the microstress T^p conjugate to inelastic flow – suitably restricted by the second law – and the microforce balance are shown to be together equivalent to a flow rule that includes a back stress due to the variation in the free energy with inelastic deformation. The introduction of a concept of material microstability reduces this flow rule to one of classical Mises-type.In a theory based on the Kröner–Lee decomposition, there are two classes of symmetry transformations available: transformations of the reference configuration and transformations of the relaxed spaces. We discuss the notion of material symmetry for a general class of materials that includes, as special cases, isotropic-viscoplastic solids, and amorphous solids. Essential to this discussion of symmetry is a general constitutive relation for the microstress T^p.The symmetry-based framework allows us to show that for typical boundary-value problems involving isotropic, viscoplastic solids or amorphous solids, if a problem has a solution, then every time- and space-dependent rotation of the relaxed spaces also yields a solution, and it is possible to choose this rotation such that the transformed solution is inelastically spin-free: W^p ≡ 0. Thus, when discussing such materials, we may, without loss in generality, restrict attention to flow rules that are inelastically irrotational.     

A gradient theory of single-crystal viscoplasticity that accounts for geometrically necessary dislocations

This study develops a gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity that accounts for geometrically necessary dislocations. The theory is based on classical crystalline kinematics; classical macroforces; microforces for each slip system consistent with a microforce balance; a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microforces, work performed during slip; a rate-independent constitutive theory that includes dependences on a tensorial measure of geometrically necessary dislocations. The microforce balances are shown to be equivalent to nonlocal yield conditions for the individual slip systems. The field equations consist of the yield conditions coupled to the standard macroscopic force balance; these are supplemented by classical macroscopic boundary conditions in conjunction with nonstandard boundary conditions associated with slip. As an aid to solution, a weak (virtual power) formulation of the nonlocal yield conditions is derived. To make contact with classical dislocation theory, the microstresses are shown to represent counterparts of the Peach-Koehler force on a single dislocation.     

A one-dimensional theory of strain-gradient plasticity: Formulation, analysis, numerical results

This study develops a one-dimensional theory of strain-gradient plasticity based on: (i) a system of microstresses consistent with a microforce balance; (ii) a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via microstresses, work performed during viscoplastic flow; (iii) a constitutive theory that allows

•

the free-energy to depend on the gradient of the plastic strain, and

•

the microstresses to depend on the gradient of the plastic strain-rate.

The constitutive equations, whose rate-dependence is of power-law form, are endowed with energetic and dissipative gradient length-scales L and l, respectively, and allow for a gradient-dependent generalization of standard internal-variable hardening. The microforce balance when augmented by the constitutive relations for the microstresses results in a nonlocal flow rule in the form of a partial differential equation for the plastic strain. Typical macroscopic boundary conditions are supplemented by nonstandard microscopic boundary conditions associated with flow, and properties of the resulting boundary-value problem are studied both analytically and numerically. The resulting solutions are shown to exhibit three distinct physical phenomena:

(i)

standard (isotropic) internal-variable hardening;

(ii)

energetic hardening, with concomitant back stress, associated with plastic-strain gradients and resulting in boundary layer effects;

(iii)

dissipative strengthening associated with plastic strain-rate gradients and resulting in a size-dependent increase in yield strength.

     

A theory of strain-gradient plasticity for isotropic, plastically irrotational materials. Part I: Small deformations

This study develops a small-deformation theory of strain-gradient plasticity for isotropic materials in the absence of plastic rotation. The theory is based on a system of microstresses consistent with a microforce balance; a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via microstresses, work performed during viscoplastic flow; a constitutive theory that allows:

•

the microstresses to depend on , the gradient of the plastic strain-rate, and

•

the free energy ψ to depend on the Burgers tensor .

The microforce balance when augmented by constitutive relations for the microstresses results in a nonlocal flow rule in the form of a tensorial second-order partial differential equation for the plastic strain. The microstresses are strictly dissipative when ψ is independent of the Burgers tensor, but when ψ depends on G the gradient microstress is partially energetic, and this, in turn, leads to a back stress and (hence) to Bauschinger-effects in the flow rule. It is further shown that dependencies of the microstresses on lead to strengthening and weakening effects in the flow rule.Typical macroscopic boundary conditions are supplemented by nonstandard microscopic boundary conditions associated with flow, and, as an aid to numerical solutions, a weak (virtual power) formulation of the nonlocal flow rule is derived.     

Gradient single-crystal plasticity with free energy dependent on dislocation densities

This study develops a small-deformation theory of strain-gradient plasticity for single crystals. The theory is based on: (i) a kinematical notion of a continuous distribution of edge and screw dislocations; (ii) a system of microscopic stresses consistent with a system of microscopic force balances, one balance for each slip system; (iii) a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microscopic stresses, work performed during viscoplastic flow; and (iv) a constitutive theory that allows:

•

the free energy to depend on densities of edge and screw dislocations and hence on gradients of (plastic) slip;

•

the microscopic stresses to depend on slip-rate gradients.

The microscopic force balances when augmented by constitutive relations for the microscopic stresses results in a system of nonlocal flow rules in the form of second-order partial differential equations for the slips. When the free energy depends on the dislocation densities the microscopic stresses are partially energetic, and this, in turn, leads to backstresses in the flow rules; on the other hand, a dependence of these stresses on slip-rate gradients leads to a strengthening. The flow rules, being nonlocal, require microscopic boundary conditions; as an aid to numerical solutions a weak (virtual power) formulation of the flow rule is derived.     

A finite-deformation,gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity with free energy dependent on the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations

This paper develops a gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity based on a system of microscopic force balances, one balance for each slip system, derived from the principle of virtual power, and a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microscopic forces, work performed during plastic flow. When combined with thermodynamically consistent constitutive relations the microscopic force balances become nonlocal flow rules for the individual slip systems in the form of partial differential equations requiring boundary conditions. Central ingredients in the theory are geometrically necessary edge and screw dislocations together with a free energy that accounts for work hardening through a dependence on the accumulation of geometrically necessary dislocations.     

Interface crack growth for anisotropic plasticity with non-normality effects

A plasticity model with a non-normality plastic flow rule is used to analyze crack growth along an interface between a solid with plastic anisotropy and an elastic substrate. The fracture process is represented in terms of a traction-separation law specified on the crack plane. A phenomenological elastic–viscoplastic material model is applied, using an anisotropic yield criterion, and in each case analyzed the effect of non-normality is compared with results for the standard normality flow rule. Due to the mismatch of elastic properties across the interface the corresponding elastic solution has an oscillating stress singularity, and with conditions of small scale yielding this solution is applied as boundary conditions on the outer edge of the region analyzed. Crack growth resistance curves are calculated numerically, and the effect of the near-tip mode mixity on the steady-state fracture toughness is determined. It is found that the steady-state fracture toughness is quite sensitive to differences in the initial orientation of the principal axes of the anisotropy relative to the interface.     

A dynamic flow rule for viscoplasticity in polycrystalline solids under high strain rates

For visco-plasticity in polycrystalline solids under high strain rates, we introduce a dynamic flow rule (also called the micro-force balance) that has a second order time derivative term in the form of micro-inertia. It is revealed that this term, whose physical origin is traced to dynamically evolving dislocations, has a profound effect on the macro-continuum plastic response. Based on energy equivalence between the micro-part of the kinetic energy and that associated with the fictive dislocation mass in the continuous dislocation distribution (CDD) theory, an explicit expression for the micro-inertial length scale is derived. The micro-force balance together with the classical momentum balance equations thus describes the viscoplastic response of the isotropic polycrystalline material. Using rational thermodynamics, we arrive at constitutive equations relating the thermodynamic forces (stresses) and fluxes. A consistent derivation of temperature evolution is also provided, thus replacing the empirical route. The micro-force balance, supplemented with the constitutive relations for the stresses, yields a locally hyperbolic flow rule owing to the micro-inertia term. The implication of micro-inertia on the continuum response is explicitly demonstrated by reproducing experimentally observed stress–strain responses under high strain-rate loadings and varying temperatures. An interesting finding is the identification of micro-inertia as the source of oscillations in the stress–strain response under high strain rates.     

A finite-deformation,gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity with free energy dependent on densities of geometrically necessary dislocations

This paper develops a finite-deformation, gradient theory of single crystal plasticity. The theory is based on a system of microscopic force balances, one balance for each slip system, derived from the principle of virtual power, and a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microscopic forces, work performed during plastic flow. When combined with thermodynamically consistent constitutive relations the microscopic force balances become flow rules for the individual slip systems. Because these flow rules are in the form of partial differential equations requiring boundary conditions, they are nonlocal. The chief new ingredient in the theory is a free energy dependent on (geometrically necessary) edge and screw dislocation-densities as introduced in Gurtin [Gurtin, 2006. The Burgers vector and the flow of screw and edge dislocations in finite-deformation plasticity. Journal of Mechanics and Physics of Solids 54, 1882].     

Design sensitivity analysis for parameters affecting geometry,elastic–viscoplastic material constant and boundary condition by consistent tangent operator-based boundary element method

This paper presents a design sensitivity analysis method by the consistent tangent operator concept-based boundary element implicit algorithm. The design variables for sensitivity analysis include geometry parameters, elastic–viscoplastic material parameters and boundary condition parameters. Based on small strain theory, Perzyna’s elastic–viscoplastic material constitutive relation with a mixed hardening model and two flow functions is considered in the sensitivity analysis. The related elastic–viscoplastic radial return algorithm and the formula of elastic–viscoplastic consistent tangent operator are derived and discussed. Based on the direct differentiation approach, the incremental boundary integral equations and related algorithms for both geometric and elastic–viscoplastic sensitivity analysis are developed. A 2D boundary element program for geometry sensitivity, elastic–viscoplastic material constant sensitivity and boundary condition sensitivity has been developed. Comparison and discussion with the results of this paper, analytical solution and finite element code ANSYS for four plane strain numerical examples are presented finally.     

Fluid boundary of a viscoplastic Bingham flow for finite solid deformations

The modelling of viscoplastic Bingham fluids often relies on a rheological constitutive law based on a “plastic rule function” often identical to the yield criterion of the solid state. It is also often assumed that this plastic rule function vanishes at the boundary between the solid and fluid states, based on the fact that it is true in the limit of small deformations of the solid state or for simple yield criteria. We show that this is not the case for finite deformations by considering the example of a two state flow on a tilted plane where the solid state is described by a Neo-Hookean model with a Von Mises yield criterion. This opens new approaches for the modelling and the computation of the fluid state boundaries.     

A theory of amorphous viscoelastic solids undergoing finite deformations with application to hydrogels

We consider a hydrogel in the framework of a continuum theory for the viscoelastic deformation of amorphous solids developed by Anand and Gurtin [Anand, L., Gurtin, M., 2003. A theory of amorphous solids undergoing large deformations, with application to polymeric glasses. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 40, 1465–1487.] and based on (i) a system of microforces consistent with a microforce balance, (ii) a mechanical version of the second law of thermodynamics and (iii) a constitutive theory that allows the free energy to depend on inelastic strain and the microstress to depend on inelastic strain rate. We adopt a particular (neo-Hookean) form for the free energy and restrict kinematics to one dimension, yielding a classical problem of expansion of a thick-walled cylinder. Considering both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions, we arrive at stress relaxation and creep problems, respectively, which we consider, in turn, locally, at a point, and globally, over the interval. We implement the resulting equations in a finite element code, show analytical and/or numerical solutions to some representative problems, and obtain viscoelastic response, in qualitative agreement with experiment.     

A gradient theory of small-deformation, single-crystal plasticity that accounts for GND-induced interactions between slip systems

This paper develops a gradient theory of single-crystal plasticity based on a system of microscopic force balances, one balance for each slip system, derived from the principle of virtual power, and a mechanical version of the second law that includes, via the microscopic forces, work performed during plastic flow. When combined with thermodynamically consistent constitutive relations the microscopic force balances become nonlocal flow rules for the individual slip systems in the form of partial differential equations requiring boundary conditions. Central ingredients in the theory are densities of (geometrically necessary) edge and screw dislocations, densities that describe the accumulation of dislocations, and densities that characterize forest hardening. The form of the forest densities is based on an explicit kinematical expression for the normal Burgers vector on a slip plane.     

On a finite strain viscoplastic theory based on a new internal dissipation inequality

This work is focused on the theoretical development and numerical implementation of a viscoplastic law. According to the second law of thermodynamics a dissipation inequality described in the rotated material coordinate system is developed. Based on this dissipation inequality and the principle of maximum dissipation a finite strain viscoplastic model described also in the rotated material coordinate system is formulated. The evolution equations are expressed in terms of the material time derivatives of the rotated elastic logarithmic strain, the accumulated plastic strain and the strain-like tensor conjugate to the rotated back stress. The mathematical structure of this theory is concise and similar to that of the infinitesimal viscoplastic theory. These characteristics make the numerical implementation of this theory easy. The stress integration algorithm and the algorithmic tangent moduli for the infinitesimal theory can be applied to the numerical implementation of the present finite strain theory with a little reformulation. The complicated algorithmic formulations for most of other finite plastic laws can be therefore circumvented. In order to check the effectivity of the present finite strain theory a set of numerical examples under strict deformation conditions are presented. These numerical examples prove the excellent performance of the present viscoplastic material law at describing the finite strain elastoplastic and viscoplastic problems.     

A theory of amorphous solids undergoing large deformations,with application to polymeric glasses

This paper develops a continuum theory for the elastic–viscoplastic deformation of amorphous solids such as polymeric and metallic glasses. Introducing an internal-state variable that represents the local free-volume associated with certain metastable states, we are able to capture the highly non-linear stress–strain behavior that precedes the yield-peak and gives rise to post-yield strain softening. Our theory explicitly accounts for the dependence of the Helmholtz free energy on the plastic deformation in a thermodynamically consistent manner. This dependence leads directly to a backstress in the underlying flow rule, and allows us to model the rapid strain-hardening response after the initial yield-drop in monotonic deformations, as well as the Bauschinger-type reverse-yielding phenomena typically observed in amorphous polymeric solids upon unloading after large plastic deformations. We have implemented a special set of constitutive equations resulting from the general theory in a finite-element computer program. Using this finite-element program, we apply the specialized equations to model the large-deformation response of the amorphous polymeric solid polycarbonate, at ambient temperature and pressure. We show numerical results to some representative problems, and compare them against corresponding results from physical experiments.     

Configurational forces and couples in fracture mechanics accounting for microstructures and dissipation

Configurational forces and couples acting on a dynamically evolving fracture process region as well as their balance are studied with special emphasis to microstructure and dissipation. To be able to investigate fracture process regions preceding cracks of mode I, II and III we choose as underlying continuum model the polar and micropolar, respectively, continuum with dislocation motion on the microlevel. As point of departure balance of macroforces, balance of couples and balance of microforces acting on dislocations are postulated. Taking into account results of the second law of thermodynamics the stress power principle for dissipative processes is derived.Applying this principle to a fracture process region evolving dynamically in the reference configuration with variable rotational and crystallographic structure, the configurational forces and couples are derived generalizing the well-known Eshelby tensor. It is shown that the balance law of configurational forces and couples reflects the structure of the postulated balance laws on macro- and microlevel: the balance law of configurational forces and configurational couples are coupled by field variable, while the balance laws of configurational macro- and microforces are coupled only by the form of the free energy. They can be decoupled by corresponding constitutive assumption.Finally, it is shown that the second law of thermodynamics leads to the result that the generalized Eshelby tensor for micropolar continua with dislocation motion consists of a non-dissipative part, derivable from free and kinetic energy, and a dissipative part, derivable from a dissipation pseudo-potential.     

Couple stresses in crystalline solids: origins from plastic slip gradients, dislocation core distortions, and three-body interatomic potentials

In the presence of plastic slip gradients, compatibility requires gradients in elastic rotation and stretch tensors. In a crystal lattice the gradient in elastic rotation can be related to bond angle changes at cores of so-called geometrically necessary dislocations. The corresponding continuum strain energy density can be obtained from an interatomic potential that includes two- and three-body terms. The three-body terms induce restoring moments that lead to a couple stress tensor in the continuum limit. The resulting stress and couple stress jointly satisfy a balance law. Boundary conditions are obtained upon stress, couple stress, strain and strain gradient tensors. This higher-order continuum theory was formulated by Toupin (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 11 (1962) 385). Toupin's theory has been extended in this work to incorporate constitutive relations for the stress and couple stress under multiplicative elastoplasticity. The higher-order continuum theory is exploited to solve a boundary value problem of relevance to single crystal and polycrystalline nano-devices. It is demonstrated that certain slip-dominated deformation mechanisms increase the compliance of nanostructures in bending-dominated situations. The significance of these ideas in the context of continuum plasticity models is also dwelt upon.