A rate-independent gradient system in damage coupled with plasticity via structured strains

TL;DR

This paper develops a mathematical model combining damage and plasticity in materials, where both evolve independently of rate, and proves the existence of solutions within an energetic framework, extending prior work.

Contribution

It introduces a rate-independent damage-plasticity model with inelastic strains evolving only in damaged regions, and establishes solution existence using an energetic approach.

Findings

Existence of solutions for the damage-plasticity model

Inelastic strains evolve only in damaged regions

Extension of energetic solution framework to coupled damage and plasticity

Abstract

This contribution deals with a class of models combining isotropic damage with plasticity. We are inspired by It has been inspired by a work by Freddi and Royer-Carfagni, including the case where the inelastic part of the strain only evolves in regions where the material is damaged. The evolution both of the damage and of the plastic variable is assumed to be rate-independent. Existence of solutions is established in the abstract energetic framework elaborated by Mielke and coworkers.