Spectral analysis of localization in nonlocal and over-nonlocal materials with softening plasticity or damage

The paper shows that spectral wave propagation analysis reveals in a simple and clear manner the effectiveness of various regularization techniques for softening materials, i.e., materials for which the yield limits soften as a function of the total strain. Both plasticity and damage models are considered. It is verified analytically in a simple way that the nonlocal integral-type model with degrading yield limit depending on the total strain works correctly if and only one adopts an unconventional nonlocal formulation introduced in 1994 by Vermeer and Brinkgreve (and in 1996 by Planas, and by Strömberg and Ristinmaa), which is here called, for the sake of brevity, ‘over-nonlocal’ because it uses a linear combination of local and nonlocal variables in which a negative weight imposed on the local variable is compensated by assigning to the nonlocal variable weight greater than 1 (this is equivalent to a nonlocal variable with a smooth positive weight function of total weight greater than 1, normalized by superposing a negative delta-function spike at the center). The spectral approach readily confirms that the nonlocal integral-type generalization of softening plasticity with an additive format gives correct localization properties only if an over-nonlocal formulation is adopted. By contrast, the nonlocal integral-type generalization of softening plasticity with a multiplicative format provides realistic localization behavior, just like the nonlocal integral-type damage model, and thus does not necessitate an over-nonlocal formulation. The localization behavior of explicit and implicit gradient-type models is also analyzed. A simple analysis shows that plasticity and damage models with gradient-type localization limiter, whether explicit or implicit, have very different localization behaviors.     

Gradient-enhanced softening material models

Classical constitutive models exhibit strong mesh dependency during softening and the numerical responses tend towards perfectly brittle behavior upon mesh refinements. Such sensitivity can be avoided by adopting the gradient-enhanced formulation. The implicit approach incorporates the gradient contributions indirectly via an additional Helmholtz equation and requires only C⁰ continuity. The explicit approach computes the gradient terms directly from the local field variables. Assuming a weak satisfaction of the yield function, C¹ continuity or C⁰ continuity with additional degrees of freedoms in the penalty approach is required. This makes the explicit method less attractive computationally. However, the explicit approach is able to fully regularize some material models where the standard implicit method fails to perform. Drawing analogy to the over-nonlocal integral formulation, the over-implicit-gradient framework is proposed. In addition, an alternative framework for the explicit gradient method requiring only C⁰ continuity is proposed. The regularizing effects of the abovementioned two gradient frameworks show promising applications to strain-softening materials.     

基于非局部塑性模型的应变局部化理论分析及数值模拟

通过求解一个第二类Fredholm方程,得到了基于非局部塑性软化模型的应变局部化问题理论解,结果表明,只有在当采用过非局部修正形式的非局部塑性软化模型才能得到应变局部化解,且得到的塑性应变分布和荷载响应依赖于所引入的特征长度及过非局部权参数。通过一维应变局部化有限元数值解,验证了非局部理论的引入能克服计算结果的网格敏感...     

A symmetric over-nonlocal microplane model M4 for fracture in concrete

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of a nonlocal integral-type formulation of a constitutive law such as microplane model M4 in which the yield limits soften as a function of the total strain for prediction of fracture propagation. For a correct regularization of the mathematical problems caused by the softening behavior, an “over-nonlocal” generalization of the type proposed by Vermeer and Brinkgreve [Vermeer, P.A., Brinkgreve, R.B.J., 1994. A new effective non-local strain measure for softening plasticity. In: Chambon, R., Desrues, J., Vardoulakis, I. (Eds.), Localization and Bifurcation Theory for Soil and Rocks, Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 89–100.] is adopted. Moreover, the symmetric weight function, proposed by Borino et al. [Borino, G. Failla, B., Parrinello, F., 2003. A symmetric nonlocal damage theory. International Journal of Solids and Structure 40, 3621–3645.] for damage mechanics, is introduced for the calculation of the nonlocal averaging of the total strain upon which the yield limits depend. The capability of the proposed model for reproducing the stress and strain fields in the vicinity of a notch is also investigated. Finally, the symmetric over-nonlocal generalization of microplane model M4 has been applied for the simulation of a mixed-mode fracture test such as the four-point-shear test and the test of axial tension at constant shear force [Nooru-Mohamend, M.B., 1992. Mixed-mode fracture of concrete: an experimental approach. Doctoral Thesis Delft University of Thechnology, Delft, The Netherlands.]     

Nonlocal implicit gradient-enhanced elasto-plasticity for the modelling of softening behaviour

An improved gradient-enhanced approach for softening elasto-plasticity is proposed, which in essence is fully nonlocal, i.e. an equivalent integral nonlocal format exists. The method utilises a nonlocal field variable in its constitutive framework, but in contrast to the integral models computes this nonlocal field with a gradient formulation. This formulation is considered ‘implicit’ in the sense that it strictly incorporates the higher-order gradients of the local field variable indirectly, unlike the common (explicit) gradient approaches. Furthermore, this implicit gradient formulation constitutes an additional partial differential equation (PDE) of the Helmholtz type, which is solved in a coupled fashion with the standard equilibrium condition. Such an approach is particularly advantageous since it combines the long-range interactions of an integral (nonlocal) model with the computational efficiency of a gradient formulation. Although these implicit gradient approaches have been successfully applied within damage mechanics, e.g. for quasi-brittle materials, the first attempts were deficient for plasticity. On the basis of a thorough comparison of the gradient-enhancements for plasticity and damage this paper rephrases the problem, which leads to a formulation that overcomes most reported problems. The two-dimensional finite element implementation for geometrically linear plain strain problems is presented. One- and two-dimensional numerical examples demonstrate the ability of this method to numerically model irreversible deformations, accompanied by the intense localisation of deformation and softening up to complete failure.     

Nonlocal microplane model with strain-softening yield limits

The paper deals with the problem of nonlocal generalization of constitutive models such as microplane model M4 for concrete, in which the yield limits, called stress–strain boundaries, are softening functions of the total strain. Such constitutive models call for a different nonlocal generalization than those for continuum damage mechanics, in which the total strain is reversible, or for plasticity, in which there is no memory of the initial state. In the proposed nonlocal formulation, the softening yield limit is a function of the spatially averaged nonlocal strains rather than the local strains, while the elastic strains are local. It is demonstrated analytically as well numerically that, with the proposed nonlocal model, the tensile stress across the strain localization band at very large strain does soften to zero and the cracking band retains a finite width even at very large tensile strain across the band only if one adopts an “over-nonlocal” generalization of the type proposed by Vermeer and Brinkgreve [In: Chambon, R., Desrues, J., Vardoulakis, I. (Eds.), Localisation and Bifurcation Theory for Soils and Rocks, Balkema, Rotterdam, 1994, p. 89] (and also used by Planas et al. [Basic issue of nonlocal models: uniaxial modeling, Tecnical Report 96-jp03, Departamento de Ciencia de Materiales, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain, 1996], and by Strömberg and Ristinmaa [Comput. Meth. Appl. Mech. Eng. 136 (1996) 127]). Numerical finite element studies document the avoidance of spurious mesh sensitivity and mesh orientation bias, and demonstrate objectivity and size effect.     

Evaluation of nonlocal approaches for modelling fracture near nonconvex boundaries

Integral-type nonlocal damage models describe the fracture process zones by regular strain profiles insensitive to the size of finite elements, which is achieved by incorporating weighted spatial averages of certain state variables into the stress–strain equations. However, there is no consensus yet how the influence of boundaries should be taken into account by the averaging procedures. In the present study, nonlocal damage models with different averaging procedures are applied to the modelling of fracture in specimens with various boundary types. Firstly, the nonlocal models are calibrated by fitting load–displacement curves and dissipated energy profiles for direct tension to the results of mesoscale analyses performed using a discrete model. These analyses are set up so that the results are independent of boundaries. Then, the models are applied to two-dimensional simulations of three-point bending tests with a sharp notch, a V-type notch, and a smooth boundary without a notch. The performance of the nonlocal approaches in modelling of fracture near nonconvex boundaries is evaluated by comparison of load–displacement curves and dissipated energy profiles along the beam ligament with the results of meso-scale simulations. As an alternative approach, elastoplasticity combined with nonlocal and over-nonlocal damage is also included in the comparative study.     

Homogenization of intergranular fracture towards a transient gradient damage model

This paper focuses on the intergranular fracture of polycrystalline materials, where a detailed model at the meso-scale is translated onto the macro-level through a proposed homogenization theory. The bottom-up strategy involves the introduction of an additional macro-kinematic field to characterize the average displacement jump within the unit cell. Together with the standard macro-strain field, the underlying processes are propagated onto the macro-scale by imposing the equivalence of power and energy at the two scales. The set of macro-governing equations and constitutive relations are next extracted naturally as per standard thermodynamics procedure. The resulting homogenized microforce balance recovers the so-called ‘implicit’ gradient expression with a transient nonlocal interaction. The homogenized gradient damage model is shown to fully regularize the softening behavior, i.e. the structural response is made mesh-independent, with the damage strain correctly localizing into a macroscopic crack, hence resolving the spurious damage growth observed in many conventional gradient damage models. Furthermore, the predictive capability of the homogenized model is demonstrated by benchmarking its solutions against reference meso-solutions, where a good match is obtained with minimal calibrations, for two different grain sizes.     

Initiation of damage with implicit gradient-enhanced damage models

Through a mixed local and nonlocal formulation, a continuous transition from a local to a nonlocal behavior is obtained. Initially driven by the local action, the damage driving quantity at a material point in non-damaged materials is later influenced by the nonlocal effect only if the occurrence of damage is effectively found in the surroundings. Qualitative resemblance is hence expected in the prediction of damage initiation by the non-regularized and regularized damage models. Numerical simulations with simple tests and comparisons with existing nonlocal damage models show the qualitative improvement of the mixed formulation in the prediction of damage initiation for 1D and 2D damaged structures.     

One-dimensional nonlocal and gradient elasticity: Closed-form solution and size effect

The equivalence between nonlocal and gradient elasticity models is investigated by making reference to one-dimensional boundary value problems equipped with two integral stress–strain laws proposed by Eringen (Nonlocal Continuum Field Theories (2002)). Corresponding closed-form solutions are derived through a procedure for the reduction of integral to differential equations. The reproduction of size effects in micro/nano rods is discussed. The differential formulation associated with the local/nonlocal model is shown to correspond to the strain-gradient formulation proposed by Aifantis (Mech. Mater. 35 (2003) 259–280).     

Formulation of strain gradient plasticity with interface energy in a consistent thermodynamic framework

In this work, the strain gradient formulation is used within the context of the thermodynamic principle, internal state variables, and thermodynamic and dissipation potentials. These in turn provide balance of momentum, boundary conditions, yield condition and flow rule, and free energy and dissipative energies. This new formulation contributes to the following important related issues: (i) the effects of interface energy that are incorporated into the formulation to address various boundary conditions, strengthening and formation of the boundary layers, (ii) nonlocal temperature effects that are crucial, for instance, for simulating the behavior of high speed machining for metallic materials using the strain gradient plasticity models, (iii) a new form of the nonlocal flow rule, (iv) physical bases of the length scale parameter and its identification using nano-indentation experiments and (v) a wide range of applications of the theory. Applications to thin films on thick substrates for various loading conditions and torsion of thin wires are investigated here along with the appropriate length scale effect on the behavior of these structures. Numerical issues of the theory are discussed and results are obtained using Matlab and Mathematica for the nonlinear ordinary differential equations (NODE) which constitute the boundary value problem.This study reveals that the micro-stress term has an important effect on the development of the boundary layers and hardening of the material at both hard and soft interface boundary conditions in thin films. The interface boundary conditions are described by the interfacial length scale and interfacial strength parameters. These parameters are important to control the size effect and hardening of the material. For more complex geometries the generalized form of the boundary value problem using the nonlocal finite element formulation is required to address the problems involved.     

A higher-order nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory and its applications in wave propagation

In recent years there have been many papers that considered the effects of material length scales in the study of mechanics of solids at micro- and/or nano-scales. There are a number of approaches and, among them, one set of papers deals with Eringen's differential nonlocal model and another deals with the strain gradient theories. The modified couple stress theory, which also accounts for a material length scale, is a form of a strain gradient theory. The large body of literature that has come into existence in the last several years has created significant confusion among researchers about the length scales that these various theories contain. The present paper has the objective of establishing the fact that the length scales present in nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory describe two entirely different physical characteristics of materials and structures at nanoscale. By using two principle kernel functions, the paper further presents a theory with application examples which relates the classical nonlocal elasticity and strain gradient theory and it results in a higher-order nonlocal strain gradient theory. In this theory, a higher-order nonlocal strain gradient elasticity system which considers higher-order stress gradients and strain gradient nonlocality is proposed. It is based on the nonlocal effects of the strain field and first gradient strain field. This theory intends to generalize the classical nonlocal elasticity theory by introducing a higher-order strain tensor with nonlocality into the stored energy function. The theory is distinctive because the classical nonlocal stress theory does not include nonlocality of higher-order stresses while the common strain gradient theory only considers local higher-order strain gradients without nonlocal effects in a global sense. By establishing the constitutive relation within the thermodynamic framework, the governing equations of equilibrium and all boundary conditions are derived via the variational approach. Two additional kinds of parameters, the higher-order nonlocal parameters and the nonlocal gradient length coefficients are introduced to account for the size-dependent characteristics of nonlocal gradient materials at nanoscale. To illustrate its application values, the theory is applied for wave propagation in a nonlocal strain gradient system and the new dispersion relations derived are presented through examples for wave propagating in Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko nanobeams. The numerical results based on the new nonlocal strain gradient theory reveal some new findings with respect to lattice dynamics and wave propagation experiment that could not be matched by both the classical nonlocal stress model and the contemporary strain gradient theory. Thus, this higher-order nonlocal strain gradient model provides an explanation to some observations in the classical and nonlocal stress theories as well as the strain gradient theory in these aspects.     

A new nonlocal bending model for Euler–Bernoulli nanobeams

This paper is concerned with the bending problem of nanobeams starting from a nonlocal thermodynamic approach. A new coupled nonlocal model, depending on two nonlocal parameters, is obtained by using a suitable definition of the free energy. Unlike previous approaches which directly substitute the expression of the nonlocal stress into the classical equilibrium equations, the proposed approach provides a methodology to recover nonlocal models starting from the free energy function. The coupled model can then be specialized to obtain a nanobeam formulation based on the Eringen nonlocal elasticity theory and on the gradient elastic model. The variational formulations are consistently provided and the differential equations with the related boundary conditions are thus derived. Nanocantilevers are solved in a closed-form and numerical results are presented to investigate the influence of the nonlocal parameters.     

Nonlocal and gradient rate plasticity

This paper deals with a formulation of nonlocal and gradient plasticity with internal variables. The constitutive model complies with local internal variables which govern kinematic hardening and isotropic softening and with a nonlocal corrective internal variable defined either as the sum between a new internal variable and its spatial weighted average or as the gradient of a measure of plastic strain. The rate constitutive problem is cast in the framework provided by the convex analysis and the potential theory for monotone multivalued operators which provide the suitable tools to perform a theoretical analysis of such nonlocal and gradient problems. The validity of the maximum dissipation theorem is assessed and constitutive variational formulations of the rate model are provided. The structural rate problem for an assigned load rate is then formulated. The related variational formulation in the complete set of state variable is contributed and the methodology to derive variational formulations, with different combinations of the state variables, is explicitly provided. In particular the generalization to the present nonlocal and gradient model of the principles of Prager–Hodge, Greenberg and Capurso–Maier is presented. Finally nonlocal variational formulations provided in the literature are derived as special cases of the proposed model.     

Strain gradient crystal plasticity effects on flow localization

In metal grains one of the most important failure mechanisms involves shear band localization. As the band width is small, the deformations are affected by material length scales. To study localization in single grains a rate-dependent crystal plasticity formulation for finite strains is presented for metals described by the reformulated Fleck–Hutchinson strain gradient plasticity theory. The theory is implemented numerically within a finite element framework using slip rate increments and displacement increments as state variables. The formulation reduces to the classical crystal plasticity theory in the absence of strain gradients. The model is used to study the effect of an internal material length scale on the localization of plastic flow in shear bands in a single crystal under plane strain tension. It is shown that the mesh sensitivity is removed when using the nonlocal material model considered. Furthermore, it is illustrated how different hardening functions affect the formation of shear bands.     

A symmetric nonlocal damage theory

The paper presents a thermodynamically consistent formulation for nonlocal damage models. Nonlocal models have been recognized as a theoretically clean and computationally efficient approach to overcome the shortcomings arising in continuum media with softening. The main features of the presented formulation are: (i) relations derived by the free energy potential fully complying with nonlocal thermodynamic principles; (ii) nonlocal integral operator which is self-adjoint at every point of the solid, including zones near to the solid’s boundary; (iii) capacity of regularizing the softening ill-posed continuum problem, restoring a meaningful nonlocal boundary value problem. In the present approach the nonlocal integral operator is applied consistently to the damage variable and to its thermodynamic conjugate force, i.e. nonlocality is restricted to internal variables only. The present model, when associative nonlocal damage flow rules are assumed, allows the derivation of the continuum tangent moduli tensor and the consistent tangent stiffness matrix which are symmetric. The formulation has been compared with other available nonlocal damage theories.Finally, the theory has been implemented in a finite element program and the numerical results obtained for 1-D and 2-D problems show its capability to reproduce in every circumstance a physical meaningful solution and fully mesh independent results.     

Novel variational formulations for nonlocal plasticity

A nonlocal structural model of softening plasticity is considered in the framework of the internal variable theories of inelastic behaviours of associative type. The finite-step nonlocal structural problem in a geometrically linear range is formulated according to a backward difference scheme for time integration of the flow rule. The related finite-step variational formulation in the complete set of local and nonlocal state variables is recovered. A family of mixed nonlocal variational formulations, with different combinations of state variables, is provided starting from the general variational formulation. The specialization of a mixed variational formulation to existing nonlocal models of softening plasticity, assuming both linear and nonlinear constitutive behaviour, is provided to show the effectiveness of the theory.     

The fundamental role of nonlocal and local balance laws of material forces in finite elastoplasticity and damage mechanics

In this paper the fundamental role of independent balance laws of material forces acting on dislocations and microdefects is shown. They enable a thermodynamically consistent formulation of dissipative deformation processes of continua with dislocation motion and defect evolution in the material space on meso- and microlevel.The balance laws of material forces together with the classical balance laws of physical forces and couples, first and second laws of thermodynamics for physical and material space and general constitutive equations are the basis to develop a thermodynamically consistent framework of nonlocal finite elastoplasticity and brittle and ductile damage.It is shown that a weakly-nonlocal formulation of the balance laws of material forces leads to gradient theories, where local theories are obtained, if all gradient contributions are assumed to be small. In this case the local balance laws of material forces together with the constitutive equations represent evolution laws of the material forces. In the classical approach of internal variables they are assumed from the outset with the result that there is a large number of different propositions in the literature.The well-known splitting test of a circular cylinder of concrete is simulated numerically, where the process of deformation in the physical space and defect and plastic evolution in the material space is represented.