A self-consistent analysis for coupled elastoplastic damage problems

Based on irreversible thermodynamics and internal state variable theory, the volume-averaged Clausius-Duhem inequality is presented. In contrast to former investigations on damage-elastoplasticity, our evalustions are founded on the volume-averaged field equations of the analyzed elements and the self-consistent method. Hence, our results not only include the influence of void shapes but also consider the interaction among voids. Further, previous work about coupled elastoplastic damage problems only takes into account small initial void volume fractions. Our work, however, will be able to deal with elastoplastic damage problems with larger initial void volume fractions. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (19762002) and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi in China