Bifurcation results for plasticity coupled to damage with MCR-effect

The thermodynamic framework is outlined for a class of models, that involve the kinetic coupling of damage to inelastic deformation. This class includes effects of microcrack-closure-reopening (MCR). The general conditions for discontinuous bifurcations, which define the onset of band-shaped localization, are given for the considered class of models. Solutions for the band direction and the corresponding thermodynamic state are given for isotropic elastoplastic response at plane stress, whereby two different damage models that account for the MCR-effect in tension-compression, are employed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.