Computational Plasticity

The subject of computational plasticity encapsulates the numerical methods used for the finite element simulation of the behaviour of a wide range of engineering materials considered to be plastic – i.e. those that undergo a permanent change of shape in response to an applied force. Computational Methods for Plasticity: Theory and Applications describes the theory of the associated numerical methods for the simulation of a wide range of plastic engineering materials; from the simplest infinitesimal plasticity theory to more complex damage mechanics and finite strain crystal plasticity models. It is split into three parts - basic concepts, small strains and large strains. Beginning with elementary theory and progressing to advanced, complex theory and computer implementation, it is suitable for use at both introductory and advanced levels. The book: Offers a self-contained text that allows the reader to learn computational plasticity theory and its implementation from one volume. Includes many numerical examples that illustrate the application of the methodologies described. Provides introductory material on related disciplines and procedures such as tensor analysis, continuum mechanics and finite elements for non-linear solid mechanics. Is accompanied by purpose-developed finite element software that illustrates many of the techniques discussed in the text, downloadable from the book’s companion website. This comprehensive text will appeal to postgraduate and graduate students of civil, mechanical, aerospace and materials engineering as well as applied mathematics and courses with computational mechanics components. It will also be of interest to research engineers, scientists and software developers working in the field of computational solid mechanics.

This book brings together some 20 chapters on state-of-the-art research in the broad field of computational plasticity with applications in civil and mechanical engineering, metal forming processes, geomechanics, nonlinear structural analysis, composites, biomechanics and multi-scale analysis of materials, among others. The chapters are written by world leaders in the different fields of computational plasticity.

The book covers an introduction to the computational analysis of plasticity in engineering materials and structures. The general theory is presented which, wherever possible, is reduced to simple, one-dimensional forms to develop understanding and a good 'physical feel' for the theory. Implementations of the theory in to modern computer solution techniques are described and several examples given.

This volume demonstrates the use of FORTRAN for numerical computing in the context of the finite element method. FORTRAN is still an important programming language for computational mechanics and all classical finite element codes are written in this language, some of them even offer an interface to link user-code to the main program. This feature is especially important for the development and investigation of new engineering structures or materials. Thus, this volume gives a simple introduction to programming of elasto-plastic material behavior, which is, for example, the prerequisite for implementing new constitutive laws into a commercial finite element program.

This book contains 14 invited contributions written by distinguished authors who participated in the VIII International Conference on Computational Plasticity held at CIMNE/UPC (www.cimne.com) from 5-8 September 2005, in Barcelona, Spain. The chapters present recent progress and future research directions in the field of computational plasticity.

There have been many excellent books written on the subject of plastic deformation in solids, but rarely can one find a textbook on this subject. “Plasticity Modeling & Computation” is a textbook written specifically for students who want to learn the theoretical, mathematical, and computational aspects of inelastic deformation in solids. It adopts a simple narrative style that is not mathematically overbearing, and has been written to emulate a professor giving a lecture on this subject inside a classroom. Each section is written to provide a balance between the relevant equations and the explanations behind them. Where relevant, sections end with one or more exercises designed to reinforce the understanding of the “lecture.” Color figures enhance the presentation and make the book very pleasant to read. For professors planning to use this textbook for their classes, the contents are sufficient for Parts A and B that can be taught in sequence over a period of two semesters or quarters.

Computational Methods in Elasticity and Plasticity: Solids and Porous Media presents the latest developments in the area of elastic and elasto-plastic finite element modeling of solids, porous media and pressure-dependent materials and structures. The book covers the following topics in depth: the mathematical foundations of solid mechanics, the finite element method for solids and porous media, the theory of plasticity and the finite element implementation of elasto-plastic constitutive models. The book also includes: -A detailed coverage of elasticity for isotropic and anisotropic solids. -A detailed treatment of nonlinear iterative methods that could be used for nonlinear elastic and elasto-plastic analyses. -A detailed treatment of a kinematic hardening von Mises model that could be used to simulate cyclic behavior of solids. -Discussion of recent advances in the analysis of porous media and pressure-dependent materials in more detail than other books currently available. Computational Methods in Elasticity and Plasticity: Solids and Porous Media also contains problem sets, worked examples and a solutions manual for instructors.

“Computational Plasticity with Emphasis on the Application of the Unified Strength Theory” explores a new and important branch of computational mechanics and is the third book in a plasticity series published by Springer. The other two are: Generalized Plasticity, Springer: Berlin, 2006; and Structural Plasticity, Springer and Zhejiang University Press: Hangzhou, 2009. This monograph describes the unified strength theory and associated flow rule, the implementation of these basic theories in computational programs, and shows how a series of results can be obtained by using them. The unified strength theory has been implemented in several special nonlinear finite-element programs and commercial Finite Element Codes by individual users and corporations. Many new and interesting findings for beams, plates, underground caves, excavations, strip foundations, circular foundations, slop, underground structures of hydraulic power stations, pumped-storage power stations, underground mining, high-velocity penetration of concrete structures, ancient structures, and rocket components, along with relevant computational results, are presented. This book is intended for graduate students, researchers and engineers working in solid mechanics, engineering and materials science. The theories and methods provided in this book can also be used for other computer codes and different structures. More results can be obtained, which put the potential strength of the material to better use, thus offering material-saving and energy-saving solutions. Mao-Hong Yu is a professor at the Department of Civil Engineering at Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.