Statistical microdamage mechanics and damage field evolution

Discussed are the underlying background of statistical microdamage mechanics, the fundamental partial differential equation of evolution of microdamage number density, two basic solutions, and the saturation of microdamage number density evolution. Knowledge of microdamage number density evolution is applied to engineering practice by using the field equations of microdamage number density and continuum damage. The addition of continuum equations renders a complete system of field equations of deformation and damage. However, they are open-ended in character at the continuum level although the dynamic damage function is completed from the meso- to the macro-scale level. Once decoupling of the function is made, the system of equations can be connected in an approximate manner. This provides a reasonable approximation to the continuum field of deformation and damage. The open literature prediction based on damage evolution relies on assuming arbitrary critical damage states. In this work, use is made of the criterion for damage localization. Several applications of statistical microdamage mechanics are made. This includes damage evolution in a heterogeneous medium and failure forecast under impact. The results show that statistical microdamage mechanics and the derived closed approximate continuum formulations are physically sound and practically effective. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.