A DEFORMATION-THEORY OF PLASTICITY BASED ON MINIMUM WORK PATHS

A deformation theory of plasticity is proposed wherein the deformation paths for material elements are assumed and the plastic work becomes dependent on displacements. Among the infinite possible ways to assume deformation paths, one has been chosen that has several advantages when materials harden isotropically. Earlier, this path was shown to require the minimum work path to achieve a desired strain. Here, a mathematical description of a constitutive law of deformation plasticity is developed based upon this path for rigid-plastic and for elastoplastic materials. The proposed deformation theory provides a convenient theoretical basis for FEM applications involving analysis, and especially design, of forming processes.